Proverbs 15  This chapter has a lot to say about what we say and how we listen. 

Verse 1 starts with.. " A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."   We also see that a wise man will  ".. make knowledge acceptable ( or good)" v2  He will have a "soothing tongue" which will be " a tree of life" v4  He will "spread knowledge" v7  He will pray.. to the "delight" of the Lord. v8 He will be slow to anger and calm contentions.. v18

"A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word." v23"Pleasant words are pure.. " v26"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer.. " v28  The Lord "hears the prayers of the righteous." v29

To walk in wisdom and righteousness starts with listening.. regarding "reproof "; accepting "discipline". Seeking knowledge and sharing knowledge. Pursuing righteousness.. and feasting on the treasures of God's word. It is finding godly counselors and staying away from the foolish.  

" He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.  The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility." (v31-33)

Sadly, we live in a society that has forgotten how to find knowledge and how to teach truth.  The wisdom of this world is full of lies and foolishness.  Romans 1:22 is true today.. "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image...  they exchanged the truth of God for a lie.. "( v22, 23, 25)  The world rejects discipline and reproof.. for people have rejected God.  Verse 10 ( of Proverbs 15) is a strong warning.. "Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die." 

"Sheol and Abandon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men." (v11)  Our great God sees into our hearts and offers "life-giving" word that we need to pursue and treasure, so that we can walk in His ways.  Only then can we bear the fruit of gentle answers, soothing words, good knowledge and delightful prayers!

O Father in heaven, most glorious and great!  Fill our hearts with Your word.. so that we might have godly wisdom that is pure and peaceable, gentle and reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy ( James 3:17).  May we not forsake Your discipline.. training in righteousness.. but help us to pursue it with diligence and steadfastness.  Fill us with reverence and awe in Your Presence and overwhelm us with Your love we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen