Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options
Close NET

Proverbs 15:1
New English Translation

15 A gentle response[a] turns away anger,
but a harsh word[b] stirs up wrath.[c]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:1 tn Heb “soft answer.” The adjective רַךְ (rakh, “soft; tender; gentle”; BDB 940 s.v.) is more than a mild response; it is conciliatory, an answer that restores good temper and reasonableness (W. McKane, Proverbs [OTL], 477). Gideon illustrates this kind of answer (Judg 8:1-3) that brings peace.
  2. Proverbs 15:1 tn Heb “word of harshness”; KJV “grievous words.” The noun עֶצֶב (ʿetsev, “pain, hurt”) functions as an attributive genitive. The term עֶצֶב refers to something that causes pain (BDB 780 s.v. I עֶצֶב). For example, Jephthah’s harsh answer led to war (Judg 12:1-6).
  3. Proverbs 15:1 tn Heb “raises anger.” A common response to painful words is to let one’s temper flare up.
Listen to Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 25:15
Close ESV

Proverbs 15:1
English Standard Version

15 (A)A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but (B)a harsh word stirs up anger.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 14
Proverbs 16
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 17:27
New English Translation

27 The truly wise person[a] restrains[b] his words,
and the one who stays calm[c] is discerning.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:27 tn Heb “the one knowing knowledge.” The cognate accusative underscores the meaning of the participle—this is a truly knowledgeable person.
  2. Proverbs 17:27 sn The participle חוֹשֵׂךְ (khosekh) means “withholds; restrains; refrains; spares; holds in check,” etc. One who has knowledge speaks carefully.
  3. Proverbs 17:27 tn Heb “cool of spirit.” This genitive of specification describes one who is “calm” (so NCV, TEV, CEV) or “even-tempered” (so NIV, NLT); he is composed.
Close ESV

Proverbs 17:27
English Standard Version

27 Whoever (A)restrains his words has knowledge,
    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 16
Proverbs 18
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 25:15
New English Translation

15 Through patience[a] a ruler can be persuaded,[b]
and a soft tongue[c] can break a bone.[d]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:15 tn Heb “long of anger” or “forbearance” (so NASB).
  2. Proverbs 25:15 tn The two imperfect verbs in this line may be nuanced as potential imperfects because what is described could happen, but does not do so as a rule.
  3. Proverbs 25:15 tn The “tongue” is a metonymy of cause; and so the expression here refers to soft or gentle speech. This fits well with the parallel idea of patience (“long of anger”)—through a calm patient persuasion much can be accomplished. Some English versions relate this figure directly to the persuasion of a ruler in the previous line (cf. TEV “can even convince rulers”).
  4. Proverbs 25:15 sn The idea of breaking a bone uses the hardest and most firm part of the body in contrast to the “softness of the tongue.” Both are figurative, forming a comparison. A gentle speech can break down any stiff opposition.
Close ESV

Proverbs 25:15
English Standard Version

15 With (A)patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 26
Next
dropdown
New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

ESV Study Bible