Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֭פַּיִם
forbearing
H639
אַ֭פַּיִם
forbearing
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְפֻתֶּ֣ה
persuaded
H6601
יְפֻתֶּ֣ה
persuaded
Strong's:
H6601
Word #:
3 of 8
to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)
וְלָשׁ֥וֹן
tongue
H3956
וְלָשׁ֥וֹן
tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
5 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
רַ֝כָּ֗ה
and a soft
H7390
רַ֝כָּ֗ה
and a soft
Strong's:
H7390
Word #:
6 of 8
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
Cross References
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, gentle persuasion proves more effective than force. Abigail's gentle speech turned David from vengeful murder (1 Samuel 25). Esther's patient diplomacy saved her people (Esther 4-7). Proverbs 15:1 teaches: 'A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.' Jesus embodied this: 'He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break' (Isaiah 42:2-3).
Questions for Reflection
- What situations in your life require patient gentle persuasion rather than forceful demands?
- How can you cultivate patience and gentleness when facing resistant authority or hard hearts?
- What 'bones' (hard resistant situations) might gentle persistence eventually break?
Analysis & Commentary
By patience a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks bones. The Hebrew 'erekh aph' (long of nostrils/patient) and 'lashon rakah' (soft/gentle tongue) versus 'shavar etsem' (break bone) creates striking contrast. Gentle persistence accomplishes what force cannot. Patience and gentleness persuade even resistant authority. The bone-breaking imagery: soft tongue achieves what seems impossible - breaking hardest substance through gentle persistence. Wisdom uses gentle persistence, not angry force.