Posted by Jeff Short on June 22, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Introduction
Chapters 10 to 22 are the second major section of the Proverbs, known as “The proverbs of Solomon.” This section divides into two parts. Chapters 10 to 15 are the first division with 185 proverbs that are primarily two-line, antithetical parallel phrases. Chapter 15 is the last chapter of the first division and has proverbs on various subjects, such as speech, correction, laziness, bribes, God’s omniscience, and teachability.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
– Proverbs 15:1
The word for soft means tender, and when used of words, refers to gentleness. An answer is a reply and the word for turneth away means to turn back, or in this case, to prevent wrath. A wise man is a calm, clear thinking man who controls his speech (Proverbs 17:27) and chooses his words carefully (Proverbs 15:23, 28). The soft answer here is wise speech that calms anger and restores reasonableness. The contrast is grievous, or painful words. These are words that provoke. The word for stir up means to go up and refers to increasing anger. The stirring up of anger comes from pride (Proverbs 28:25), hatred (Proverbs 10:12), and an angry temperament (Proverbs 29:22). It is the mark of a fool (Proverbs 14:17).
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 15, 2017 · Leave a Comment
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
– Proverbs 14:29
Being
slow to wrath is a mark of wisdom as self-control (James 3:17; Proverbs 16:32). Here the man is of
great understanding, or intelligence. The phrase
hasty of spirit means short of breath. It indicates one who is impatient and rash in words and actions. Such a man lacks self-control and particularly over his anger. This is a mark of
folly, or lack of wisdom (Proverbs 14:17; 25:28; Ecclesiastes 7:9). The word for
exalteth means to raise up and it here refers to a public display. Elsewhere, Solomon noted that fools promote shame (Proverbs 3:35). This proverb is one place that links patience with wisdom, so the implication is to grow in patience we must grow in wisdom.
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Posted by Jeff Short on June 3, 2017 · Leave a Comment
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
– Proverbs 14:17
This proverb gives two types of foolish anger. Being
soon angry is what we call hot or quick-tempered. It applies to a man who is quick to react in anger and doesn’t have appropriate self-control (Proverbs 14:29; 16:32). His lack of control of his temper causes him to deal
foolishly. He speaks and acts rashly and foolishly in the heat of anger, whereas a calmer head can see the situation better (Proverbs 14:29). The second is a
man of wicked devices. This describes one who plots and contrives (Proverbs 6:18; 12:2). We call this a cool or cold anger, which may plot elaborate schemes of revenge. Such a person is
hated and seen as more loathsome.
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I was aware this book was surrounded by controversy, but not informed as to the exact nature of the controversy. I read it on a recommendation from a friend and am glad I did. I appreciated the highlighting of the lordship of Jesus in the G...
Proverbs 15:1
Posted by Jeff Short on June 22, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Introduction
Chapters 10 to 22 are the second major section of the Proverbs, known as “The proverbs of Solomon.” This section divides into two parts. Chapters 10 to 15 are the first division with 185 proverbs that are primarily two-line, antithetical parallel phrases. Chapter 15 is the last chapter of the first division and has proverbs on various subjects, such as speech, correction, laziness, bribes, God’s omniscience, and teachability.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
– Proverbs 15:1
The word for soft means tender, and when used of words, refers to gentleness. An answer is a reply and the word for turneth away means to turn back, or in this case, to prevent wrath. A wise man is a calm, clear thinking man who controls his speech (Proverbs 17:27) and chooses his words carefully (Proverbs 15:23, 28). The soft answer here is wise speech that calms anger and restores reasonableness. The contrast is grievous, or painful words. These are words that provoke. The word for stir up means to go up and refers to increasing anger. The stirring up of anger comes from pride (Proverbs 28:25), hatred (Proverbs 10:12), and an angry temperament (Proverbs 29:22). It is the mark of a fool (Proverbs 14:17).
Listen to the Proverbs sermon series
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Filed under 15, Proverbs, Short Comments · Tagged with Anger, Commentary, Proverbs, Speech, Wrath