15:1 Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering softly. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, quiet words are your best choice.
15:3 At times it seems that God has let evil run rampant in the world, and we wonder if he even notices it. But God sees it clearly—both the evil actions and the evil intentions lying behind them (15:11). He is not an indifferent observer. He cares and is active in our world. Right now his work may be unseen and unfelt, but don’t give up. One day he will wipe out evil and punish the evildoers, just as he will establish the good and reward those who do his will.
15:14 What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies. The kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the music we listen to, and the films we watch are all part of our mental diet. What you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being. Thus, a strong desire to discover truth is a mark of wisdom.
15:15 Our attitudes color our whole personality. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward each situation. The secret to a happy heart is filling our minds with thoughts that are true, pure, and lovely; thoughts that dwell on the good things in life (Philippians 4:8). This was Paul’s secret as he faced imprisonment, and it can be ours as we face the struggles of daily living. Look at your attitudes and then examine what you allow to enter your mind and what you choose to dwell on. You may need to make some changes.
15:17-19 The “way of the righteous” doesn’t always seem easy (15:19), but look at the alternatives. Hatred (15:17), anger (15:18), and laziness (15:19) cause problems that the good person does not have to face. By comparison, his life is a smooth, level road because it is built on a solid foundation of love for God.
15:22 Those with tunnel vision, people who are locked into one way of thinking, are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience. Build a network of counselors. Then be open to new ideas and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be stronger and more likely to succeed.
15:28 The good man thinks before he speaks because he wants to say what he knows in the best possible way. The evil man doesn’t wait to speak because he doesn’t care about the effects of his words. It is important to have something to say, but it is equally important to say it well. Do you carefully plan your words, or do you pour out your thoughts without concern for their impact?