Proverbs 15:2 Teaching on the Wise Use of the Tongue
Proverbs 15:2 (YLT) states, "The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly" [1]. This verse highlights the contrast between the speech of the wise and the speech of fools, emphasizing the proper and improper use of the tongue.
The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the power and impact of words, often linking control of the tongue with wisdom [8]. The wise person's speech is characterized by its ability to "make knowledge good" or "use knowledge aright" [1, 7, 9]. This means that a wise individual not only possesses knowledge but also knows how to communicate it effectively, making it useful and attractive to others [5, 9]. Matthew Henry notes that a good heart, through the tongue, becomes very useful, as knowledge is not merely for personal enjoyment but for the edification of others through "pious profitable discourse" [4]. Such discourse involves giving suitable instructions, counsels, and comforts with humility and love [4]. John Gill further elaborates that the wise person communicates knowledge at appropriate times, in suitable places, and to the right individuals, adapting it to their circumstances for comfort, edification, and instruction [9]. This careful and appropriate use of knowledge "decorates and adorns it" [9].
In contrast, "the mouth of fools uttereth folly" [1]. This implies that fools speak abundantly and without discretion, often disgusting others with their crude or unhelpful words [5, 7]. Their speech is not only foolish but also potentially hurtful [4]. The concept of prudence, which is intimately connected with wisdom, involves dealing with knowledge effectively and looking well to one's actions [2]. The wise are celebrated for their prudence and are preserved by it [2]. The simplicity encouraged in scripture, which is opposed to fleshly wisdom, suggests a straightforward and honest communication, in contrast to the folly of the fool [3].
The broader context of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, with wisdom often being demonstrated through one's speech and actions [6, 10]. The ability to govern one's tongue is a mark of a righteous and perfect person [11].
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 15:2 (YLT) — The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Simplicity — Is opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Necessity for -- Mt 18:2,3. Should be exhibited In preaching the gospel. -- 1Th 2:3-7. In acts of benevolence. -- Ro 12:8. In all our conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. Concerning our own wisdom. -- 1Co 3:18. Concerning evil. -- Ro 16:19. Concerning malice. -- 1Co 14:20. Exhortation to -- Ro 16:19; 1Pe 2:2. They who have the grace of Are made wise by God. -- Mt 11:25. Are made wise by the word of God. -- Ps 19:7; 119:130. Are preserved by God. -- Ps 116:6. Made circumspect by instruction. -- Pr 1:4. Profit by the correction o”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 15:2: Note, 1. A good heart by the tongue becomes very useful. He that has knowledge is not only to enjoy it, for his own entertainment, but to use it, to use it aright, for the edification of others; and it is the tongue that must make use of it in pious profitable discourse, in giving suitable and seasonable instructions, counsels, and comforts, with all possible expressions of humility and love, and then knowledge is used aright; and to him that has, and thus uses what he has, more shall be given. 2. A wicked heart by the tongue becomes very hurtful; for the mouth ”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:2: 15:2 A wise teacher presents lessons in an attractive way. Crude belching describes the ugly teaching of a fool.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:5: 15:5 Wisdom requires learning from correction.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 15:2: useth . . . aright--commends knowledge by its proper use. poureth out--utters abundantly (Pro 12:23), and so disgusts others.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 13:3: 13:3 Having control of the tongue demonstrates wisdom (see Jas 3:1-12).”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 15:2: The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright,.... As the heart of a wise and good man is filled with useful knowledge, civil, moral, spiritual, and evangelical; so he takes care to communicate it, at proper times and seasons, in proper places, and to proper persons; adapting it to their case and circumstances, so as it may be for their comfort, edification, and instruction, and minister grace unto them; which is using knowledge "well", as the word (s) signifies: such an use of it recommends it, and makes it appear beautiful and lovely, decorates and adorns it. Thus”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 28:2: 28:2 Wise . . . leaders rule justly and effectively (8:15-16).”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 15:28: Here is, 1. A good man proved to be a wise man by this, that he governs his tongue well; he that does so the same is a perfect man, Jam 3:2. It is part of the character of a righteous man that being convinced of the account he must give of his words, and of the good and bad influence of them upon others, he makes conscience of speaking truly (it is his heart that answers, that is, he speaks as he thinks, and dares not do otherwise, he speaks the truth in his heart, Psa 15:2), and of speaking pertinently and profitably, and therefore he studies to answer, that h”