Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not just about having knowledge, but about how you deliver it. The wise person doesn't just know things; they skillfully present that knowledge so it lands well, making wisdom itself attractive. In contrast, fools just let their foolishness "bubble over" without any thought to timing or impact.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs where Solomon contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, focusing on how their words and actions reveal their inner character. It directly follows a verse about controlling one's temper and precedes verses about the importance of speaking kindly and the dangers of perverse speech. The immediate context emphasizes that true wisdom isn't just about possessing knowledge, but about expressing it with discernment and purpose, while foolishness is characterized by uncontrolled and harmful speech.
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. The wise know that skillful words can illuminate truth, while foolish ones obscure it.
The Art of Wise Communication
The verse contrasts the wise person's speech with the fool's. The wise don't just have knowledge; they know how to use it. This involves:
Think of it like a gardener tending a precious plant. The wise gardener knows exactly when to water, when to prune, and how to protect it from harsh elements so it can flourish. They don't just dump water randomly; they nurture.
The Fool's Reckless Outpouring
In contrast, fools 'pour out folly.' This isn't just a gentle flow; it's an uncontrolled gush, like a boiling pot overflowing or a flood bursting its banks. Their words are often ill-considered, untimely, and harmful, causing distress and spiritual damage.
Our words aren't just sounds; they have a powerful effect. What are your words designed to do – build up or simply spill out?
Commending Knowledge
The wise person's words are meant to 'commend knowledge.' This means they don't just state facts; they make knowledge attractive, valuable, and understandable. Their speech aims to:
Understand the original words
lashon · Hebrew Noun
The organ of speech, frequently used in Proverbs to symbolize the source of wisdom or folly and the moral state of the heart.
chakam · Hebrew Noun
One who possesses godly insight, moral discernment, and the ability to apply divine truth to life.
da'at · Hebrew Noun
Facts, understanding, and discernment; in wisdom literature, it specifically refers to the knowledge of God and His ways.
evil · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks moral and spiritual discernment, rejecting God's wisdom and choosing to follow his own way.
James echoes Proverbs' theme by highlighting how we all stumble in speech, showing that controlling our tongue is a universal challenge, whether we're wise or foolish.
Colossians 4:6This verse offers practical advice for the 'wise' – that our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with understanding, directly linking to how the wise use their knowledge aright.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus directly states that we will be judged by our words, emphasizing the profound consequence of what pours from our mouths, whether it's wisdom or folly.
Proverbs 18:21This proverb powerfully illustrates the destructive potential of words, paralleling the 'foolishness poured out' by fools with the 'death' and 'life' that the tongue can bring.
pulpitProverbs 15:2: "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Verse 2. - The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright. This means either, brings it forth opportunely, it the right time and place, or illustrates it, makes it beautiful and pleasant, as ver. 13. The wise man not only has knowledge, but can give it appropriate expression (comp. Proverbs 16:23). Vulgate, "The tongue of the wise adorneth wisdom." The wise man, by producing his senti…
cambridgeProverbs 15:2: "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
2 . useth knowledge aright ] Or, uttereth , &c. R.V. Lit. maketh good knowledge , i.e. turns it to good account, makes the best of it. Comp. “they make goodly (lit. as here, make good) images or pillars,” Hosea 10:1 . The contrast is between the good use of knowledge which adds to its usefulness, and the reckless pouring forth of folly which increases its hurtfulness; between the pure…
It's not just about having knowledge, but about how you deliver it. The wise person doesn't just know things; they skillfully present that knowledge so it lands well, making wisdom itself attractive. In contrast, fools just let their foolishness "bubble over" without any thought to timing or impact.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs where Solomon contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, focusing on how their words and actions reveal their inner character. It directly follows a verse about controlling one's temper and precedes verses about the importance of speaking kindly and the dangers of perverse speech. The immediate context emphasizes that true wisdom isn't just about possessing knowledge, but about expressing it with discernment and purpose, while foolishness is characterized by uncontrolled and harmful speech.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs where Solomon contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, focusing on how their words and actions reveal their inner character. It directly follows a verse about controlling one's temper and precedes verses about the importance of speaking kindly and the dangers of perverse speech. The immediate context emphasizes that true wisdom isn't just about possessing knowledge, but about expressing it with discernment and purpose, while foolishness is characterized by uncontrolled and harmful speech.
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Imagine someone showing off a beautiful piece of art. They don't just point; they highlight the details, explain the artist's technique, and share why it's significant. They commend the art to your attention and appreciation.
iwwelet · Hebrew Noun
Stupidity, moral thoughtlessness, or lack of wisdom; the state of rejecting godly instruction.
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly." — It's not just about having knowledge, but about how you deliver it. The wise person doesn't just know things; they skillfully present that knowledge so it lands well, making wisdom itself attract…
