Command the Raven

Proverbs 15:3 [show/hide]Proverbs 15:3 [3]The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

The great truths of divinity are of great use to enforce the precepts of morality, and none more than this–That the eye of God is always upon the children of men.

1. An eye to discern all, not only from which nothing can be concealed, but by which every thing is actually inspected, and nothing overlooked or looked slightly upon: The eyes of the Lord are in every place; for he not only sees all from on high (Ps. xxxiii. 13), but he is every where present. Angels are full of eyes (Rev. iv. 8), but God is all eye. It denotes not only his omniscience, that he sees all, but his universal providence, that he upholds and governs all. Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under his eye.

2. An eye to distinguish both persons and actions. He beholds the evil and the good, is displeased with the evil and approves of the good, and will judge men according to the sight of his eyes, Ps. i. 6; xi. 4. The wicked shall not go unpunished, nor the righteous unrewarded, for God has his eye upon both and knows their true character; this speaks as much comfort to saints as terror to sinners.

- Matthew Henry Commentary

Proverbs 15:2 [show/hide]Proverbs 15:2 [2]The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

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

Note, 1. A good heart by the tongue becomes very useful. He that has knowledge is not only to enjoy it, for his own entertainment, but to use it, to use it aright, for the edification of others; and it is the tongue that must make use of it in pious profitable discourse, in giving suitable and seasonable instructions, counsels, and comforts, with all possible expressions of humility and love, and then knowledge is used aright; and to him that has, and thus uses what he has, more shall be given.

2. A wicked heart by the tongue becomes very hurtful; for the mouth of fools belches out foolishness, which is very offensive; and the corrupt communication which proceeds from an evil treasure within (the filthiness, and foolish talking, and jesting) corrupts the good manners of some and debauches them, and grieves the good hearts of others and disturbs them.

- Matthew Henry Commentary

Proverbs 15:1 [show/hide]Proverbs 15:1 [15:1]A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Solomon, as conservator of the public peace, here tells us,

1. How the peace may be kept, that we may know how in our places to keep it; it is by soft words. If wrath be risen like a threatening cloud, pregnant with storms and thunder, a soft answer will disperse it and turn it away. When men are provoked, speak gently to them, and give them good words, and they will be pacified, as the Ephraimites were by Gideon’s mildness (Judg. viii. 1-3); whereas, upon a like occasion, by Jephthah’s roughness, they were exasperated, and the consequences were bad, Judg. xii. 1-3. Reason will be better spoken, and a righteous cause better pleaded, with meekness than with passion; hard arguments do best with soft words.

2. How the peace will be broken, that we, for our parts, may do nothing towards the breaking of it. Nothing stirs up anger, and sows discord, like grievous words, calling foul names, as Raca, and Thou fool, upbraiding men with their infirmities and infelicities, their extraction or education, or any thing that lessens them and makes them mean; scornful spiteful reflections, by which men affect to show their wit and malice, stir up the anger of others, which does but increase and inflame their own anger. Rather than lose a jest some will lose a friend and make an enemy.

- Matthew Henry Commentary

Proverbs 14:35 [show/hide]Proverbs 14:35 [35]A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

This shows that in a well-ordered court and government smiles and favours are dispensed among those that are employed in public trusts according to their merits; Solomon lets them know he will go by that rule,

1. That those who behave themselves wisely shall be respected and preferred, whatever enemies they may have that seek to undermine them. No man’s services shall be neglected to please a party or a favourite.

2. That those who are selfish and false, who betray their country, oppress the poor, and sow discord, and thus cause shame, shall be displaced and banished the court, whatever friends they may make to speak for them.

- Matthew Henry Commentary