Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The verse sits between an instruction on de-escalating conflict and a declaration of divine surveillance, addressing a learner with a direct contrast between two modes of speech.
The words — תֵּיטִיב (tei.Tiv) literally means "it makes good" or commends, while יַבִּ֥יעַ (ya.Bi.a') literally means "it pours forth" or spouts.
The thread — This structural contrast between measured wisdom and reckless speech appears in Proverbs 12:23, Proverbs 13:16, and Proverbs 15:28.
Why it lands — It requires a reader to audit their own speech, recognizing that words either clarify understanding or discharge worthless ideas without restraint.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
- Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
- Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
- Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
- Psalms 45:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
- Psalms 59:7 See what they spew from their mouths—sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”
- Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!
- Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
- Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.