Proverbs 15 continues to highlight contrasts between wisdom and folly, particularly through speech, attitudes, and responses to correction. The power of words is emphasized; they can either heal or harm, calm or provoke. A soft answer turns away wrath, while a harsh word stirs up anger. Wise people use their words to build up others, offering encouragement and speaking truthfully. The tongue of the wise is described as a tree of life, reflecting how life-giving speech originates from a heart filled with wisdom (vv. 1-4, 7, 23, 26, 28). 

Oh Lord, grant me the wisdom and the ability to speak in a more appropriate manner. I want to communicate truth in love and strive to be more like You in my interactions (Eph. 4:15, 29). 

Proverbs 15 is also rich in practical wisdom for daily life and relationships, particularly regarding receiving correction and instruction. The fool despises correction, but the wise recognize it as a path to growth. Listening to reproof leads to understanding and, ultimately, to life itself. This chapter portrays teachability as a hallmark of wisdom and underscores the importance of humility before instruction, which reflects a proper fear of the Lord (vv. 5, 10, 12, 31-33). 

Father, please have mercy on me and correct me as You see fit. Please do not rebuke me in Your anger (Psa. 38:1). I have an open heart that is willing to be molded (Isa. 64:8). Help me also to know when I should relent, versus standing firm in my convictions. 

There is also much said in Proverbs 15 about joy and contentment within the heart. A cheerful heart brings life, while a crushed spirit saps it away (vv. 13-15). True happiness flows from righteousness, peace, and godly relationships, rather than from material gain (vv. 16-17). 

Oh Father, please help my wife, my children, and me to be content with what You provide. May we be good stewards of the blessings You grant us. Grant me, also, wisdom and courage to utilize those blessings fully and to enjoy what is set before me here and now (Matt. 25:14-30; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:10). 

You are the great and awesome God of heaven and earth. I bow before You, asking that You would shape me, and refine me, through Your correction (Heb. 12:3-11). May I also be open to the counsel of others in my sphere of influence, that their words may provide sound guidance (Prov. 15:22). I pray through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and in His name, I give thanks for these things (Col. 3:17). Please bless us as we seek Your guidance. Amen.

In Proverbs 14, the term “fool” is used to describe one who refuses to learn from the lessons right before them (vv. 6, 9, 16). A fool may fail to recognize the pitfalls that lie directly ahead, make the same mistakes repeatedly, and never learn the obvious lessons needed to avoid those paths. Moreover, one may deliberately choose to ignore the wise counsel given to them! By rejecting the guidance that God has set before them, they therefore decide to be foolish!! We must be cautious, as we may find ourselves on that path in certain aspects of our lives, even if we demonstrate wisdom in other areas. If that is the case, let us heed the advice and turn away from foolishness (vv. 7, 8). 

The book of Proverbs also addresses the simple-minded individual — one who has not yet learned life’s lessons (v. 18). This person may be ignorant due to youth, having had too few experiences to make wise decisions. The simple-minded individual may also be ignorant because they are not paying attention to their surroundings, failing to see the evident pitfalls. The simple-minded person tends to be too trusting or may not consider the long-term consequences of their actions (vv. 12, 15)! We are urged to wake up and be alert to the lessons around us.

Each of us has our areas of ignorance, so let us respond to the call for acquiring wisdom. The wise individual has learned the lessons of life, benefiting from both their own mistakes and those of others. The truly wise person discerns life’s priorities, basing their wisdom on a solid foundation rooted in the fear of the Lord (vv. 26, 27). The wisdom recommended is wisdom from above; it begins with reverence for God and sets our feet on the path toward true happiness, both in this life and in eternity (vv. 14, 32).