Proverbs 15:1
What does Proverbs 15:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 15:1 means
Proverbs 15:1 teaches the profound power of our words to either de-escalate or ignite conflict. A "soft answer" refers to a gentle, gracious, and humble response, delivered with a conciliatory tone. This kind of communication has the remarkable ability to "turn away wrath," meaning it can calm an agitated person, diffuse tension, and prevent an argument from escalating into full-blown anger. Conversely, a "harsh word" signifies a sharp, critical, or proud retort, spoken with aggression or contempt. Such language inevitably "stirs up anger," provoking defensiveness, resentment, and further hostility. The imagery highlights the immediate and direct impact of our speech, likening a soft answer to a soothing balm and a harsh word to a spark setting off a fire.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By a soft answer wrath is turned away, but a bitter word is a cause of angry feelings.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.
Context
Proverbs 15 opens a section of contrasted sayings, often presenting two opposing behaviors or attitudes and their resulting outcomes. This verse immediately follows Proverbs 14, which concludes with themes of righteousness and sin, and the importance of wisdom in governing a nation and one's own life. Proverbs 15 itself continues this pattern, with subsequent verses further exploring the contrast between the wise and the foolish, and the righteous and the wicked, particularly in their speech and conduct. The chapter emphasizes how communication can bring life or death, peace or strife. Proverbs 15:1 serves as a foundational statement within this discourse, stressing the immediate and potent effects of our verbal interactions on relationships and atmospheres, ultimately, on our well-being and that of others.
v.1This passage
v.2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Judges 12:3
And when I saw that ye saved me not, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and Jehovah delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?
- Proverbs 28:25
He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
- 1 Kings 12:13
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him,
- 1 Samuel 25:21
Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath returned me evil for good.
- 1 Samuel 25:10
And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there are many servants now-a-days that break away every man from his master.
- Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
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