◄ Proverbs 15:28 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

New Living Translation
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

English Standard Version
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Berean Standard Bible
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

King James Bible
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

New King James Version
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.

New American Standard Bible
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

NASB 1995
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

NASB 1977
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Legacy Standard Bible
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil things.

Amplified Bible
The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

Christian Standard Bible
The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.

American Standard Version
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Contemporary English Version
Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking.

English Revised Version
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The heart of a righteous person carefully considers how to answer, but the mouths of wicked people pour out a flood of evil things.

Good News Translation
Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble.

International Standard Version
The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the wicked person spews out evil.

Majority Standard Bible
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

NET Bible
The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

New Heart English Bible
The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

Webster's Bible Translation
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

World English Bible
The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The heart of the righteous meditates to answer, "" And the mouth of the wicked utters evil things.

Young's Literal Translation
The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.

Smith's Literal Translation
The heart of the just one shall meditate to answer: and the mouth of the unjust shall gush out evil.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The mind of the just studieth obedience: the mouth of the wicked over floweth with evils.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.

New American Bible
The heart of the just ponders a response, but the mouth of the wicked spews evil.

New Revised Standard Version
The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The heart of the righteous meditates in truth; but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The heart of the righteous meditates upon the faith, and the mouth of the evils speaks evil things.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things. The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
…27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. 29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Matthew 12:34-37
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

James 3:2-12
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.


Treasury of Scripture

The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

heart

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

1 Kings 3:23-28
Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living…

the mouth

Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

Proverbs 29:11,20
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards…

Jump to Previous
Answers Evil Evil-Doer Gives Gushes Heart Mind Mouth Ponders Poureth Pours Righteous Stream Studieth Thought Upright Uttereth Weighs Wicked
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Answers Evil Evil-Doer Gives Gushes Heart Mind Mouth Ponders Poureth Pours Righteous Stream Studieth Thought Upright Uttereth Weighs Wicked
Proverbs 15
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath














Berean Study Bible
The heart of the righteous
The phrase "the heart of the righteous" refers to the innermost being or the core of a person who is in right standing with God. In Hebrew, the word for heart is "לֵב" (lev), which encompasses not just emotions but also the mind and will. The righteous, or "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. Historically, the heart was seen as the seat of wisdom and moral character. In a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase emphasizes the importance of aligning one's inner life with God's righteousness, suggesting that true wisdom and discernment come from a heart transformed by God's grace.

ponders how to answer
The word "ponders" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful consideration. In Hebrew, the root word "הָגָה" (hagah) can mean to meditate or to think deeply. This implies that the righteous do not speak impulsively but take time to reflect on their words. The historical context of ancient Israel valued wisdom and careful speech, as seen in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. For Christians, this highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom before responding, ensuring that one's words are edifying and truthful.

but the mouth of the wicked
Contrasting with the righteous, "the mouth of the wicked" refers to those who are morally corrupt or ungodly. The Hebrew word for wicked is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes someone who is guilty or hostile to God. The focus on the "mouth" indicates that the wicked are characterized by their speech, which often reveals their inner corruption. In biblical times, speech was a powerful tool, and the wicked were known for using it to deceive or harm others. This serves as a warning to believers to guard their speech and avoid the pitfalls of ungodly communication.

blurts out evil
The phrase "blurts out" suggests a lack of control or thoughtfulness, indicating that the wicked speak impulsively. The Hebrew root "נָבַע" (nava) can mean to gush forth, emphasizing the uncontrolled nature of their speech. "Evil" in Hebrew is "רָע" (ra), which encompasses harm, wickedness, and moral wrong. This phrase underscores the destructive power of words when not guided by righteousness. For Christians, it serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the need to speak words that reflect God's love and truth, rather than allowing evil to flow unchecked from one's mouth.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(28) The heart of the righteous studieth to answer--i.e., aright, knowing how much good and evil is caused by words. (Comp. James 3:5, sqq.)

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 28. - The heart of the righteous studieth to answer. The good man deliberates before he speaks, takes time to consider his answer, lest he should say anything false, or inexpedient, or injurious to his neighbour. A Latin adage runs -

"Qui bene vult fari debet bene praemeditari." Says Theognis -

Βουλεύου δὶς καὶ τρίς ὅτοί κ ἐπὶ τὸν νόον
Ἀτηρὸς γὰρ ἀεὶ λάβρος ἀνὴρ τελέθει

"Whate'er comes in your mind, deliberate;
A hasty man but rushes on his fate." Septuagint, "The heart of the prudent will meditate πίστεις," which may mean "truth," "fidelity," or "proofs." The Vulgate has "obedience," implying attention to the inward warnings of conscience and grace, before the mouth speaks. Poureth out (ver. 2). The wicked man never considers; evil is always on his lips and running over from his mouth. Septuagint, "The mouth of the ungodly answereth evil things." The LXX. here inserts ch. 16:7.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The heart
לֵ֣ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

of the righteous
צַ֭דִּיק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

ponders
יֶהְגֶּ֣ה (yeh·geh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1897: To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse

how to answer,
לַעֲנ֑וֹת (la·‘ă·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

but the mouth
וּפִ֥י (ū·p̄î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the wicked
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

blurts out
יַבִּ֥יעַ (yab·bî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5042: To gush forth, to utter, to emit

evil.
רָעֽוֹת׃ (rā·‘ō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 15:27
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