Proverbs 15:2

Modern

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Traditional

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

Literal

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge good, and the mouth of fools pours forth folly.

Latin

Lingua sapientium ornat scientiam; os fatuorum ebullit stultitiam.

Hebrew

English

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

A wise teacher presents lessons in an engaging way. Rude behavior describes the poor teaching of a fool.

Theme notes and profiles

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 10:12–13
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
Psalm 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.
Psalm 59:7
See what they spew from their mouths—sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”
Proverbs 25:11–12
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.
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.