Provérbios 15
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Provérbios 15
MacArthur adds: The word “proverb” means “to be like,” thus Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths. Proverbs are simple, moral statements (or illustrations) that highlight and teach fundamental realities about life. Solomon sought God’s wisdom (2Chr 1:8-12) and offered “pithy sayings” designed to make men contemplate 1) the fear of God and 2) living by His wisdom (Pr 1:7; 9:10). The sum of this wisdom is personified in the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:30). Wilkinson: Proverbs is the most intensely practical book in the Old Testament because it teaches skillful living in the multiple aspects of everyday life. Its specific precepts include instruction on wisdom and folly, the righteous and the wicked, the tongue, pride and humility, justice and vengeance, the family, laziness and work, poverty and wealth, friends and neighbors, love and lust, anger and strife, masters and servants, life and death. Proverbs touches upon every facet of human relationships, and its principles transcend the bounds of time and culture. (Talk thru the Bible) Theme of Proverbs: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Pr 1:7-note). The Septuagint rendering amplifies the meaning of Pr 1:7-note - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (sophia); and there is good understanding (sunesis = "putting together the pieces") to all that practice it: and piety (eusebeia) toward God is the beginning of discernment (aisthesis); but the ungodly (asebes) will set at naught wisdom and instruction (paideia = "child training")." The Greek emphasizes wisdom instead of knowledge. Notice that "fools" are equated with the ungodly. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Pr 9:10) Note that this fear is not "shaking fear" but a reverential awe. It is like a child who fears disappointing their father or losing his approval and thus it is a "healthy" fear, good for our "spiritual health!" Key Words (NAS95): Wisdom (48x/47v), Righteous(ness)(90x/89v), Guidance (3x), Wise (62x/58v), Fear of the LORD (14x), my son (23x), Knowledge (40x/39v), Understand(ing) (56x/55v), Instruction (16x), Discipline (17x), Commandment/command (11x), Tongue (18x), Foolish (12x/11v), Fool(s) (58x), Tongue (18x), Evil (58x/55v), Wicked (83x/82v), Life (46x), But (246x/242v). Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Gentle: Pr 25:15 Judges 8:1-3 1Sa 25:21-33 Harsh: Pr 15:18, 10:12, 28:25, 29:22, Judges 12:3-6 1Sa 25:10,11,21,22 2Sa 19:43 1Ki 12:13-16 How Are You Handling Anger- Devotionals - Proverbs 15-1 Proverbs 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE POWER OF — GENTLENESS CONTRASTING — COMMUNICATION Gentle Harsh Answer Word Turns away Stirs up Wrath Anger Kitchens - This chapter displays several distinctive features. Pr 15:1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 23, 26, 28 all deal with the tongue. Nine out of the thirty-three verses of this chapter speak of Yahweh (Pr 15:3, 8, 9, 11, 16, 25, 26, 29, 33). The antithetical form of the proverbs grows less frequent beginning in this chapter (only in Pr 15:3, 10–11, 12, 23–24, 30–31, 33). Speech has the potential to quiet a riot or to fan the embers of anger (Prov. 12:18; 15:18; 25:15). A ‘gentle’ word is the way to respond to a threatening situation. The word ‘gentle’ means soft, tender or delicate. Here the idea is probably that of a conciliatory tone.4 We should be ‘gentle’ in tone of voice, terms chosen and non-verbal communications that accompany our speech. (Proverbs- A Mentor Commentary- recommended resource) Poole gives this literal translation of Pr 15:1 - A soft return causes heat to turn; but a word of pain causes the nose to go up. The power of gentle, good humoured words is often wonderful in subduing angry passions, while those which are sharp and cutting are as apt to excite them. Compare Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 25:15. Proverbs 15:1 is one of those Proverbs we all need to memorize that it might be in our heart that we might not sin against the LORD with our tongue (Ps 119:9-11). I beg you to write it down on a card today, asking the Spirit to write these precious words on your heart, remembering that out of your mouth comes that which fills your heart (Mt 12:34). Fill your heart with the good Word of God and then, filled with God's good Spirit (see table on being Filled with the Spirit and Indwelt by the Word), His supernatural power will enable you to tame your otherwise untamable tongue! (James 3:4-11) This is another manifestation of God's provision of amazing grace! Thank You Lord God! Amen. Nisbet - ‘This is the chapter of passionate temper; it speaks of the grievous word that stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1), of the perverseness that breaks the spirit (Proverbs 15:4), of the contention stirred up by wrath (Proverbs 15:18). However peaceful a family or community may be, it is remarkable how soon a conflagration will break out if a man of a quarrelsome and contentious spirit is introduced. The passionate man is often led to say and do things which, in his sober mind, he bitterly regrets. Let us keep clear of people of passionate dispositions, and give them a wide berth, asking the Lord to give us meek and quiet spirits, which act strongly and decisively on occasions when wrong is being perpetrated, but without the heat of selfish passion.’ I love old John Trapp's picture - It is easier to stir strife than to stint it. Hard to hard, will never do; but lay a flint upon a pillow, and you may break it with ease....What is more boisterous than the winds? tamen iidem imbribus sopiuntur, saith Pliny, yet are they laid with soft showers. How soon was David disarmed by Abigail’s gentle apology, and made as meek as a lamb! So were the hot and hasty Ephraimites by Gideon’s mild and modest answer. [ 8:1-3] "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone." [Proverbs 25:15] Howbeit, some persons must be more roughly dealt with, or they will never have done - nettles hardly handled sting not as they will if gently touched - in some eases especially, as when God’s glory is engaged. Charles Bridges - WHAT a mine of practical wisdom is this Book of God! Let us ponder this valuable rule for self-discipline, family peace, and Church unity. Scripture often illustrates the different effects of the tongue. The soft answer is the water to quench (See Jacob with Esau, Gen. 32, 33: Aaron with Moses, Lev. 10:16–20: the Reubenites with their brethren, Jos. 22:15–34: Gideon with the men of Ephraim, Judg. 8:1–3: David with Saul, 1 Sam. 24:9–21: 26:21, Abigail with David, 25:23–32.)—Grievous words are the oil to stir up, the file (See the instances of Jepthah, Judg. 12:1–6: Saul, 1 Sam. 20:30–34: Nabal, 25:10–13: Rehoboam, 1 Kings 12:12–15: the Apostles, Acts 15:39.). And this is, alas! man’s natural propensity—to feed rather than to quench the angry flame. We yield to irritation; retort upon our neighbor; have recourse to self-justification; insist upon the last word; say all that we could say; and think we “do well to be angry.” (Jonah 4:9.) Neither party gives up an atom of the will. Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints; and “behold! how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:4) Thus there is the self-pleasing sarcasm; as if we had rather lose a friend, than miss a clever stroke. All this the world excuses as a sensitive and lively temper. But the gospel sets before us our Saviour’s example (1Pe 2:23); imbues with his spirit (2Cor. 3:18, Phil. 2:3–5.); and imparts that blessed “charity, that is not easily provoked;” (1 Cor. 13:5.) and therefore is careful not to provoke a chafed or wounded spirit. If others begin, let us forbear from continuing, the strife. (Pr 17:14. Even a Heathen could give this excellent advice—‘Let dissension begin from others, but reconciliation from thee.’—Seneca.) Soft and healing words (Pr 25:15. Comp. James 3:17, 18) gain a double victory—over ourselves,10 and over our brother (Ro 12:19–21). Gentle (soft - KJV) (07390)(rak from rakak = to be tender, soft, weak of heart - "The psychological notion of “weak resolve,” which is the basic and underlying meaning is easily understood in all of the contexts in which [rakak] occurs." - TWOT) is an adjective which means tender, gentle, delicate, soft. The first use in Ge 18:7 describes a "tender and choice calf" which was to be prepared for the guest (one of whom was likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus). Ge 29:27 describes Leah's eyes as "weak" (meaning uncertain - some say appealing, others say plain!; Lxx = asthenes = physically weak, suffering some incapacity). Rak describes a refined (and delicate) man or woman (Dt 28:54, 56), which some take to mean gentle or tender, and which speaks of one's way of life that reflects refinement (Lxx translates with apalos = adjective that speaks of that which is tender). In first Chronicles the nuance of rak is that of one (young Solomon) who is "inexperienced (Lxx = apalos)." (1Chr 22:5, 29:1, cp Solomon's self description Pr 4:3 = the way a mother sees her son as a tender, beloved child). Rak describes words (or tongue) as soft (Job 41:3 - Lxx = malakos = softly, Pr 25:5) or gentle (Pr 15:1). Finally, rak describes the tender green growth of new branches on a tree (Ezek. 17:22). The Hebrew word used to describe a gentle answer is derived from the root verb rakak which is used to describe Josiah's "tender heart" in 2Ki 22:19, which was good soil (Lk 8:15) and "received the word implanted." (James 1:21) King Josiah demonstrated humility and receptivity on hearing the Word, not obstinacy and rejection! The root verb rakak also describes how a wound is "soothed" or softened with oil (Isa 1:6 uses the root verb rakak). Thus a soothing answer is not ineffective (Pr 25:15). Harsh word is literally "word of pain." Webster says gentle means kind, amiable, docile, free from harshness, sternness or violence, soft, meek, peaceable, soothing, pacific, not rough, severe, refractory or turbulent. Have you ever spoken a "turbulent" word to a spouse, child, co-worker? Brown-Driver-Briggs' Definition - Rak - tender, soft, delicate, weak - tender, delicate (of flesh), weak of heart, timid, soft (of words), gentle words (subst) Rak NAS Usage: gentle, faint(1), fainthearted*(3), grow faint(1), softened(1), softer(1), tender(2). Rak - 15v - Ge 18:7; Ge 29:17; Ge 33:13; Deut 28:54, 56; 2Sa 3:39; 1Chr 22:5; 29:1; 2Chr 13:7; Job 41:3; Pr 4:3; 15:1; 25:15; Isa 47:1; Ezek 17:22 Pr 25:15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft (Lxx = malakos = yielding to touch, soft, gentle, tender) tongue breaks the bone. Comment: Gentle speech parallels long patience and persuaded parallels breaks the bone. Bone is used figuratively to depict "hard" opposition to what one says to another. The point is that gentle speech is able to break through the tough exterior. In this sense there is some overlap with the gentle word of Pr 15:1. Both these proverbs show the incredible power of a gentle word! How would you grade your speech today on the "gentleness scale" where 1 is not at all gentle and 10 is extremely gentle? How can we improve our "gentleness score?" If we recall that one of the manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit in us is "gentleness" (and self-control) (Gal 5:22-23-note), it seems clear that the best way to speak a gentle word is to yield to the Spirit each morning (and many times throughout the day), seeking to continually rely on His enabling power to produce supernatural gentleness in our speech! If you have a poor "gentleness score," (and most of us do from time to time!) please don't fall into the (legalistic) trap of trying to fix it by faking it, because fallen flesh cannot fix fallen flesh. The only way to overcome the desires of the flesh (in this case to speak in a non-gentle manner) is to walk supernaturally by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-note). In Ezekiel rak is used in a prophetic description of the coming Messiah "Thus says the Lord GOD, "I shall also take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and set it out; I shall pluck from the topmost of its young twigs a TENDER (Rak) one, and I shall plant it on a high and lofty mountain." The NET Note comments that the horticultural (so to speak) "language (of Ezek 17:22) is analogous to Messianic imagery in Isa 11:1; Zech 3:8; 6:12 (Ed: all three mention Messiah the Branch. See also Jer 23:5, 33:15) although the technical terminology is not the same." Matthew
Provérbios 15
MacArthur - “Hotheads” are contrasted with “peacemakers” (Pr 14:16-17, 29; 15:1; 19:19, Pr 22:24, 28:25; 29:11, 22). Charles Bridges - This Proverb requires no explanation. But observe the principles of hatred and love, contrasted in active exercise. Some persons make it their occupation to sit by the fire, to feed and fan the flame, lest it be extinguished—An useful and friendly employment, were it a fire to warm. But when it is an injurious, consuming, and destructive element, it would seem difficult to discover the motive of these incendiaries, did we not read, that “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, wickedness, an evil eye, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:21, 22) Longman - This verse speaks of the emotional intelligence of the wise. Fools respond to an attack by attacking back, only making things much worse. On the other hand, the wise are coolheaded and patient, thus in the end subduing accusations that may be directed toward them. Lawson - It will be our wisdom, if possible, to avoid the company of a passionate (hot tempered) man, for it is almost impossible to live in peace with him. He is almost perpetually giving offence, and yet he cannot bear the least shadow of offence to be given to himself. You cannot act or speak so cautiously, but he will find or make some occasion for a quarrel, for tow is not more inflammable than a mind in which passion rules over reason. But if you cannot avoid his company, be sure to keep a strict guard over your spirit, and by this means strife may be prevented or appeased. It is one of the amiable glories of God, that he is slow to anger; and considering how much we are indebted to his patience, we are strongly obliged to copy after him, as dear children. A passionate disposition makes a man the firebrand (one that creates unrest or strife) of society; but meekness makes him a blessing to his neighbors. He that appeaseth strife, does us as much service, as he that quenches the fire that is burning down a house. We must learn of Christ, who was meek (gentle) and lowly (humble) of heart (Mt 11:28-30-note); so shall we find rest to ourselves, and pacify contentions, and enjoy a double blessing from the great Author of blessings. “Blessed are the meek,—blessed are the peace-makers.” John