Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ב
The heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
The heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יֶהְגֶּ֣ה
studieth
H1897
יֶהְגֶּ֣ה
studieth
Strong's:
H1897
Word #:
3 of 8
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder
לַעֲנ֑וֹת
to answer
H6030
לַעֲנ֑וֹת
to answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וּפִ֥י
but the mouth
H6310
וּפִ֥י
but the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
5 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.Proverbs 29:11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.Ecclesiastes 5:2Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.Proverbs 10:19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.Proverbs 13:16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.Proverbs 29:20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 16:23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.Ecclesiastes 5:6Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?Matthew 12:34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom valued careful speech. Royal advisors deliberated before counseling kings. Legal witnesses considered testimony thoughtfully. Fools spoke rashly, causing damage. This proverb taught disciplined communication—thinking before talking. Jesus exemplified this, often asking questions rather than giving hasty answers, and remaining silent when strategic (Matthew 26:63, Mark 15:5).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you study your answers—thinking and praying before speaking—or pour out words impulsively?
- What practices can help you become more thoughtful in speech (pausing, praying, considering consequences)?
- How does the overflow of the heart (Luke 6:45) determine whether you study good answers or gush evil?
Analysis & Commentary
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Lev tsaddiq yehgeh la'anot (לֵב צַדִּיק יֶהְגֶּה לַעֲנוֹת, the heart of the righteous meditates to answer). Hagah (הָגָה, meditate, mutter, study) shows thoughtful preparation before speaking. Ufi resha'im yabiya' ra'ot (וּפִי רְשָׁעִים יַבִּיעַ רָעוֹת, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil). Naba (נָבַע, gush, pour forth, bubble) depicts uncontrolled speech. The righteous think before speaking; the wicked spew evil impulsively. Proverbs repeatedly urges thoughtful speech (15:2, 15:23, 16:23). James 1:19 commands being "slow to speak."