We begin a new section of Proverbs in 15:5 which continues through verse 19. In this section we are dealing primarily with matters of temper and speech. It is interesting to note that in the totality of chapter 15, there is an increasing theological tone, with nine out of the 33 verses in the chapter being “Yahweh” proverbs.

A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

Proverbs 15:5-7

These verses are the introduction to the new section. Notice that we go from the discipline of parents to the house of the righteous, to what passes a person’s lips. It almost seems like a compression of a person’s growth to maturity.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 15:18

This example is a classic dealing as it does, with temper and the tongue. If you pay attention to the news, you can probably think of examples of people who constantly stir up conflict, and sadly, no matter which side you might find yourself on, you can accuse the other side with ample justification, for being the one who stirs up the trouble. This is because neither side is the one who calms a quarrel.

I’m sorry to have to be the one that points this out, but if you are the patient one in this proverb, it is brutally obvious that both sides of our present divisions in America are infantile, thinking that getting in the others’ faces is a sign of impressive strength, and missing entirely the fact that it is actually a sign of pathetic weakness.

We would all be wise to learn from these Proverbs of old.