"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Proverbs 15:2
Today’s verse shows the contrast between the “tongue of the wise” and the “mouth of fools.” There is a vast difference between the two. As you have time to invest, I encourage you to take Proverbs 15:1-6 as a study and work through this passage altogether as a single unit. Let’s ask our Lord to help us be wise.
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:”
To be a “wise man” is not just about having knowledge, but wisdom is in knowing how to use that knowledge.
“Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction” (Proverbs 10:14).
A wise man is modest in his use of his knowledge. He’s no braggart, and he is careful with his use of what he knows.
How can we know who a wise man is? James asks the same question.
“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
James says that the wise man is one who is good in his manner of life. His works show meekness. Be careful with this word “meek.” In English, we have a saying, “he is meek as a mouse.” This is not what the Greek word means. It is “mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness.”1 But at the same time, the meek man is no weakling. We could say he has his “power under control.”
“But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”
The fool has no controls in his life. He gushes out his foolishness.
“A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness” (Proverbs 12:23).
Note here that the fool’s foolishness is from his foolish heart. He does his folly because there is nothing else in his heart. It is all he knows. He can do and say no other thing because his heart is foolish.
Lord, help us to stay tuned in to you, and to use our wisdom, wisely. Teach us from Your Word, and we will use our knowledge for Your glory!
1. J.H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.