Proverbs 15:28 Commentary and Bible Study

The tongue, though a small organ, is disproportionately important in its influence on a man’s life. Anyone who does not see this is in danger of allowing his mouth to bring him into judgment. We all face many taxing circumstances which demand an answer from us but a righteous man will be very careful in what he says. He knows enough about himself to be aware that his heart is capable of responding out of pride, or jealousy, or malice, and this self-knowledge causes him to stop and reflect on what is the best answer to give. Maybe he is under pressure to respond; maybe the gospel has been attacked, or he has personally come under criticism. Perhaps he is facing a situation of temptation that he anticipated, and which he previously planned how to respond to, but now it comes, he is still not going to rush in with an answer. He wants to be under the Lordship of Christ in everything he does and everything he says, and so he asks what Christ would have him do in this situation and he holds himself in check to prevent a carnal response. But the wicked know no such reticence, and exercise no such caution in their speech. Though their responses are worthless, they have great confidence in what they say. They will not be held up by any prolonged musing about how to respond. Since they trust their own mouths they give free reign to their tongues, and all the emotions that try to take hold of their tongues are allowed to do so. As a result they let pride and boasting speak; they answer with flattery and dishonesty; they speak words that are cruel and bitter in their malice. Where a righteous man would rather say nothing, they allow such words to come out of his mouth. The righteous can also see the advantage that such an answer might bring, but he refuses to avail himself of it, because it would mean going against the law of God.