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Monday, February 15, 2010

Wisdom Project 2/15



Proverbs 15 - NIV
Proverbs 15 - ESV

Proverbs 15:18 . . .

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
but a patient man calms a quarrel.


Commentary:

Whereas the “hot tempered” or impulsive person is easily provoked to anger and “strife,” the wise person will employ his words in such a way as to foster an atmosphere of peace and unity. Those who are “slow to anger” (like our heavenly Father) have a calming effect on tense interpersonal situations. This prevents the fracture of friendships and other personal relationships, and also helps in the healing process when differences and difficulties do arise.

From: Explore the Bible Teacher Helps - on Precept

Blessings
3 John 8
Bill H.

_________

WISDOM PROJECT: For this month, I will supply links to both the NIV and ESV versions of the chapter each day (Feb. 1 = Proverbs 1, etc.) in the post—both of which contain the audio.

And in the month of February a unique feature for the WP will be Commentaries on selected passages/verses from within the chapter for the day. And for the most part, these comments will be from links in the Online Bible Study Resources feature here on the 3 John 8 blog (scroll down in the column to the right to find the links).

Note to Proverbs class participants: this is the place where you should post your application comments for the Daily Proverbs Reading Assignment.

31 comments:

Jilli Bair said...

In this chapter, the author gives 12 words pertaining to the idea of our speech (answer, word, mouth, lips, tongue). After reading the chapter, you really get the feeling that our words are extremely important in living a life of wisdom. The wise man is guided by his heart and ponders his thoughts before he speaks them - a foolish man is led by his destructive words wherever he goes. This chapter is an excellent tool by which we should examine the constructive or destructive nature of our speech.

Unknown said...

I relate so well to the last verse: "The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Right now I'm currently working as a church secretary, and I never realized how much of that job is under appreciated. People assume that the bulletins, powerpoint announcements, and stock of grape juice is magically done every week. God has taught me the meaning of humility before honor. I do all those duties to the Lord, and I can't forget that I'm really serving Him and not man.

Unknown said...

Shortly after my salvation, Prov 15:1 was shared with me as an antidote for anger. I have found this proverb to be true most of the time – a soft, gentle answer will change the level of intensity of a discussion. This was useful for me as I did have a short temper and was quick to anger. At that time, I would have been wise to really open up Proverbs and make them a daily discipline in my “newborn life”; however some additional time and experiences were needed for me to understand the necessity of making Proverbs a regular part of my spiritual diet.
It is still applicable today? You bet! Even as I was typing this I was addressed by my wife in a manner that in the past would’ve prompted a sarcastic remark, maybe even an outburst, or quite possibly replying with some very harmful words. Explanation of Proverbs 15:1 - “Anger is removed by a gentle response, but a heated response fuels the flame (LASB, 977).” Being aware of the source helped with the real-life implementation of 1 Peter 5:8 – always looking out for any satanic attacks or influences in the little things. This could have turned out quite differently.
But praise to our LORD - I didn’t say a word. I replied with a facial expression that conveyed sorrow and hurt. Trustfully we will discuss this situation shortly, then leave it at the foot of the cross – with prayer together (by far the BEST and most successful tool in our relationship), and continue on with this new day with which we’ve been blessed.
Mike T.

Jim Morrison said...

Verse 1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse encourages me to remember how I should handle situations with others. If I am gentle with my response then it is possible that my reaction can calm the situation and provide an opportunity to be a positive impact on the other persons life. If I am harsh with my response chances are I have lost any opportunity for this person to even listen to me.

Mandi said...

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place,keeping watch on the evil and the good.-this verse both encourages me and scares me all in one. The Lord is watching everything!
1.A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse was also a big one for me today because lately i have been struggling with how i react to people and things so this verse was a great reminder to me that i need to have "soft" answers to others and not to be "harsh" and hurtful!

Tim K. said...

32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. I have seen this in the life of other especially my teen son. When the will and drive for our own way is so strong we will not accept correction or accept discipline. This is easy to see in others, but we must identify this in our selves to gain wisdom.

Melissa Jordan said...

A gentle answer really does turn away wrath, I have been on both sides of the coin and usually you get a lot further when you keep composure even though its hard things that you don't want to really say aren't said and the outcome is usually a lot better.

Rachel said...

Chapter 15 is filled with illusions and instructions pertaining to speech and the use of one's tongue. Verse 4 says, "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." This passage is clear: guarding our life and mind from evil goes hand-in-hand with guarding our mouths. Keeping what we say in check is a necessity for godly and wise living.

julee said...

It's better to have the fear of the Lord and love than wealth and lots of food. My mindset can be so temporary often. "Set your mind on the things above, where CHRIST is"

Anonymous said...

Proverbs 15:18 . . .
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Patience is a very important element in our walk of faith with Christ. There is a discord or dissention that is bred from those who walk in the flesh. Outbursts of anger (ill tempered) are one of the hallmark character traits of those who obey the flesh. There is the peaceable fruit of righteousness that follows the foot steps of those who patiently wait on the Lord.
John Erbentraut

Unknown said...

Chapter 15 is just chocked full of great applicable verses.
1 - gentle words turn away wrath
9 - God loves those who are actually pursuing righteousness
28 - the righteous think before they speak and speak wise things
32 - the wise will welcome discipline
and
33 - humility precedes any and every kind of honor
All of these specific verses really hit home to me in ways that I've been struggling in and praying about.

Unknown said...

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred.
This is a nice reminder it is not what is on the table but who is around it. If we keep respect and honor in our homes the time will be pleaseant but we cause strife it will be a unhappy place to be so it does not how much you have.

Danyelle Steckiel said...

As I was reading through this, the first and the last verse of the chapter stuck out to me the most. I feel as though they go together really well because without wisdom, we are not discerning; and without discernment we say things that we are going to regret later. I need to learn to fear the Lord in the proper way. I have trouble with my speech sometimes because I do not like it when people put me down and I tend to have a quick tongue, but God has given me the resources that I need to be wise and discerning so that I do not stir up anger.

Unknown said...

"The LORD is far from the wicked but hears the prayers of the righteous." Verse 29 speaks volumes to me. It is a test in which I need to daily evaluate myself and see if I truly am following closely with God. I don't seek to be far from Him, yet some times I choose the path that veers away from Him. He hears my prayers because I am His child wherever I am no matter how far away that might be, but it's scary to think that when I am so far away at times that I am in the company of the wicked. I don't want to be here, I need to get away, I need to get closer to God. It's kind of like walking home in the dark as a kid, "I just want to be home."

Unknown said...

Proverbs 15:33
"The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
- The key to learning the proper instruction that we are to follow is all throughout the Bible. The fear of the Lord goes hand in hand with such instructions that lead to true wisdom. In a parallel comparison is how humility is the way to becoming a person full of honor. I really like how these two things of wisdom and honor or portrayed within the same thought.

Sarah said...

Verse one is pretty interesting. "A gentle/soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." I think this verse shows that one if one has harsh words then there will be anger between them. If one brings soft answers then people can work out a problem.

Krista Harrison said...

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.....The two words that caught my eye the most was in the first verse LIFE LONG. Gaining wisdom in not just your ticket to a good education, career or spouse. Gaining wisdom is a life long choice that we need to pursue. Ignoring godly advice is foolish and is something that makes sad when people choice that path, especially people that say they are strong Christians.

Danielle Cummings said...

SO many times I've found myself talking to someone and speaking through my feelings without even thinking about the situation. Verse one hit home for me: "A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger." Have you even noticed tht when you talk to someone calmly, they remain calm to? But once the yelling starts its all down hill. I think alot of time people feel a certain way and decide to say how they feel right then and there. Not a good idea. Personally chill out time (like a 3rd grader) is what i need to have a positive, beneficial conversation when im hurt or angry. I've found that although its a childish process, it helps me to have adult conversations.

Lisa Griffiths said...

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
What a true concept. I need to make sure that I am making sure to pursue righteousness, not dwell in wickedness. Too many times I catch myself being content in my ways and not seeing how I need to change. I need to be diligent in pursuing the ways of the Lord, always.

Nate said...

There is a common theme in this chapter on the power of the tongue. I often find myself throughout the day having to apologize for dumb things that come out of my mouth. Whether they are harsh sayings or they are things that hurt people or unwise sayings. All of these things are mentioned in this chapter of proverbs. It is a very clear warning to me because for me to say things that re hurtful, or to get angry in my tone and words is wicked and foolish. So I need to do a heart check when I am angry or frustrated and truly speak with wisdom and conviction but without being outwardly angry.

Carrie L. said...

16 "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil".

30 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones".

These two verses stood out to me today. Verse 16 comes right out and says that the right relationship with the LORD[i.e. fear of the LORD(respect)] is better than all the wealth of the world with turmoil. Weather we are rich or have only the clothes on our back, the fear of the LORD is above them all.

A joyful heart is good medicine. It is medically proven that anger, frustration/broken spirit dries up the bones(decay). The Lord knows what is good for us(a joyful/happy heart). A smile looks better anyway :)

Gabe Vanderstel said...

Throughout this chapter are many proverbs which speak about the wisdom of guarding the mouth and the danger of the tongue.
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
In my Youth Seminar class this morning we discussed how to deal with disagreements in a biblical manner. Part of doing that is taming the tongue and keeping peace. Words have the power to destroy or to encourage. Unfortunately, Bible Colleges are often littered with gossip, slander (with "holy" intentions..), and heavy negative criticism. If we consider ourselves to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we must prove to be blameless in our speech. Instead of tearing others down in our arrogance, we (myself included) must use discernment and wisdom in situations where we could have the opportunity to either help others by encouragement and guidance, or destroy with our words of folly. We must tame our tongues. This takes prayer and hard work. It may even mean that we talk less and listen more so that we may speak in wisdom.

Renee K said...

This particular passage hit home to me in many different ways. It speaks several times about the way we talk. I am dealing with a situation right now that I have to be careful that I am not biting in my speech because I find myself so easily taken up in quarrels with this individual. I need to be wise in the way I use my words and realize that words without contention are going to be a lot better used than words that stir up strife. Another thing that stuck out to me is where it talks about getting counsel from others. Ken and I are currently facing a situation in which we are seeking counsel from many different godly people that have been placed in our lives. We realize that since we are so uncertain of what to do, God has given us those people to go to for counsel. A third thing that stuck out to me was the issue of pride. So many times I unconsciously get caught up in pride. Pride is the ruin of man. I need to make sure that I am giving all credit back to God because without Him, I am nothing.

Jessica said...

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." Verse 3 is such an encouragement yet it is a warning that the Lord is watching what we do and we should strive to make all our actions glorifying to Him

TWash said...

"A gentle answer turns away wrath..." Right from the start this chapter got me. I grew up in an atmosphere where respect was earned not given. It was earned mainly through how you held your own. Okay...fighting! I learned very quick how much easier it is to act the emotion of anger and throw in a line that definately stirs up anger, because you want to cut to the core of someone quick to defend yourself. Our God asks us to respond differently; in a way that has such a great impact and cuts deeper than any verbal attack. What a powerful ans WISE God!

SarahK said...

"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred" This verse brings a smile to my face because of how true it is. Charlie Brown once said, "Nothing takes the taste out of a peanut butter & jelly sandwich like unrequited love." I can remember many times the mood at a meal has been so foul you couldn't even taste the food. Hatred or love; good or bad has so much weight.

Unknown said...

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3)
God is both omniscient and omnipresent. While these attributes are a source of comfort and joy to me and all believers, I would imagine that they would strike fear in the hearts of those who are evil.

Unknown said...

"the ear that listens to life giving reproof will dwell among the wise" vs31 I pray that i would be a man that listens to Godly reproof and change

Unknown said...

My temper has been something that has gotten me into a lot of trouble. I was always told that a soft answer turns away wrath but I rarely took heed to that advice. It's so true though. For the few times I have done that it has worked out usually for the better. Or even just taking time to think and not just responding out of anger right off the back but taking time to calm down so I can respond in a respectful manner. This is something I really need to work on in my life. Verse 3 reminds me that God is everywhere. He sees us and knows everything about us. We cannot hide anything from him. That is a scary thing to think about honestly. I wonder a lot how can he love someone that is so sinful but it amazes me that he does.

Unknown said...

My temper has been something that has gotten me into a lot of trouble. I was always told that a soft answer turns away wrath but I rarely took heed to that advice. It's so true though. For the few times I have done that it has worked out usually for the better. Or even just taking time to think and not just responding out of anger right off the back but taking time to calm down so I can respond in a respectful manner. This is something I really need to work on in my life. Verse 3 reminds me that God is everywhere. He sees us and knows everything about us. We cannot hide anything from him. That is a scary thing to think about honestly. I wonder a lot how can he love someone that is so sinful but it amazes me that he does.

Erin said...

This chapter of proverbs has helped me see why I need to have self-control in situations where I may want to freak out.my actions not only effect my life but also the others around me.