Words of wisdom
v.1 A soft word. The wise will give a gentle answer (i.e., a conciliatory response during an argument or disagreement) that turns away wrath rather than using harsh language that stirs up anger. Gideon’s answer in Jgs 8:1-3 illustrates the point as does the story of Nabal and Abigail in 1 Sm 25:1-35. Prefer coolheadedness to hotheadedness.
v.2 Wise speech. Wise speech is characterized by excellence and knowledge. The fool gushes forth with his folly. We can often distinguish the wise and the fool by their speech. Prefer knowledge to stupidity.
v.3 Omniscience. The Lord is everywhere, sees everything, and knows everything. He keeps watch over the evil and the good (as an incentive for right conduct). Judgment is implied; see Heb 4:13. God is in control, therefore prefer good to evil.
v.4 Healing speech. Healing (calm) words bring life to the spirit while deceitful (perverse) words crush the spirit. See Prv 17:22. Prefer to speak healing rather than harm.
v.5 Discipline. It is foolish (or stupid) to spurn your father’s (or mother’s) discipline. The prudent man (or woman) heeds correction. Wisdom to teach others is learned by listening. Prefer heeding correction to spurning it.
v.6 Righteous reward. One reward for righteousness is prosperity. The contrast is with the troubled income of the wicked. The prosperity of the righteous is not necessarily material goods (but that is not to be excluded). Think perhaps of joy in living this life and reward in the life to come.
v.7 Lips of the wise. The lips of the wise spread knowledge (their words bring profit). The fool does not have knowledge (he is perverse). What we say comes from the heart, so the proverb says the fool’s heart lacks knowledge.
Way of wisdom
v.8 Worship. Your spiritual condition determine the acceptability of your worship. Prayer from the upright in heart pleases God. The worship acts (sacrifice) of the wicked are unacceptable to God (they are an abomination). See Ps 51:17, Prv 15:29.
v.9 Conduct. The way of the wicked is an abomination to God. God loves those who walk in the way of righteousness. The proverb makes a contrast between two paths (lifestyles), one God hates and the other God loves.
v.10 Discipline. Severe (or painful) discipline is in store for the one who leaves the path (of righteousness [life]) and the one who hates correction will die. See Rom 8:13. Prefer correction to death.
v.11 Divine omniscience. The Lord knows the heart (intents, motives, thoughts, etc.) of every person. He knows the remote underworld and therefore how much more the hearts of men. See Ps 44:21.
These proverbs teach about the way and speech of the wise. The purpose is to encourage right behavior and a right heart before God.