Proverbs 25:15 KJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 25:15

Two things are here recommended to us, in dealing with others, as likely means to gain our point:?1. Patience, to bear a present heat without being put into a heat by it, and to wait for a fit opportunity to offer our reasons and to give persons time to consider them. By this means even a prince may be persuaded to do a thing which he seemed very averse to, much more a common person. That which is justice and reason now will be so another time, and therefore we need not urge them with violence... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:15

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded ,.... To come into measures, and do that which his council and ministry advise him to, and to which he may seem at first very averse; but by a mild and gentle representation of things, by an humble submission of them to him, and by frequent remonstrances and patient waiting, his mind is softened, bent, and inclined to take their advice, and pursue the measures suggested to him; which, had they been pressed with heat, haughtiness, and haste, would have... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 25:15

A soft tongue breaketh the bone - This is similar to another proverb on the same subject: "A soft answer turneth away wrath." An angry word does nothing but mischief. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:11-15

Similitudes of moral beauty and goodness I. THE APT WORD . Compared to "golden apples in silver frames." Carved work adorning the ceilings of rooms is perhaps alluded to. The beauty of the groined sets off the worth of the object. Just so the good word is set off by the seasonableness of the moment of its utterance ( 1 Peter 4:11 ). The apt word is "a word upon wheels, not lotted or dragged, but rolling smoothly along like chariot wheels." Our Lord's discourses ( e . g . on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:15

By long forbearing; i . e . by patience, calmness that does not break out into passion whatever be the provocation, even, it is implied, in the face of a false and malicious accusation (comp. Proverbs 14:29 ). Is a prince persuaded. Katson is rather "an arbiter," or judge, than "a prince," and the proverb says that such an officer is led to take a favourable view of an accused person's case when he sees him calm and composed, ready to explain the matter without any undue heat or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:15

Proverbs 25:15. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded That is, by patient submission and expectation he is pacified, whereas his rage is increased by opposition. And a soft tongue breaketh the bone A mild and humble answer softens a heart which is as hard as a bone or stone. He alludes to those oils which sink through the flesh to the very bone: see Psalms 109:18. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:1-28

25:1-29:27 MORE PROVERBS OF SOLOMONRelations with others (25:1-28)God has no obligation to explain to anyone the reasons for his actions. A king, however, has a duty to his people to investigate the causes of events that affect them, though he need not reveal to them his deepest thoughts (25:1-3). Some advisers to the king may be ungodly or treacherous, and should be removed if the king is to rule righteously (4-5). It is better to wait to be invited to a higher rank than to be boastfully... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 25:15

prince: or judge, persuaded. Compare Genesis 26:13-31 . tongue. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for what is spoken by it. breaketh the bone: i.e. overcometh obstinacy. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 25:15

"By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.""A prince may be persuaded by patience, and a soft tongue may break down solid bone."[7] Jesus may have had this in mind when he spoke of the 'unjust judge' (Luke 18:6). The American Standard Version marginal reading allows `judge' here instead of ruler. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 25:15

15. Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate. long forbearing—or, "slowness to anger" (Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 15:18). read more