Proverbs 15:28 - Exposition

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer. The good man deliberates before he speaks, takes time to consider his answer, lest he should say anything false, or inexpedient, or injurious to his neighbour. A Latin adage runs—

" Qui bene vult fari debet bene praemeditari ."

Says Theognis—

βουλεύου δὶς καὶ τρίς ὅτοί κ ἐπὶ τὸν νόον

ἀτηρὸς γὰρ ἀεὶ λάβρος ἀνὴρ τελέθει

"Whate'er comes in your mind, deliberate;

A hasty man but rushes on his fate."

Septuagint, "The heart of the prudent will meditate πίστεις ," which may mean "truth," "fidelity," or "proofs." The Vulgate has "obedience," implying attention to the inward warnings of conscience and grace, before the mouth speaks. Poureth out ( Proverbs 15:2 ). The wicked man never considers; evil is always on his lips and running over from his mouth. Septuagint, "The mouth of the ungodly answereth evil things." The LXX . here inserts Proverbs 16:7 .