The Meaning of Proverbs 25:15 Explained

Proverbs 25:15

KJV: By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

YLT: By long-suffering is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh a bone.

Darby: By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

ASV: By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

By long  forbearing  is a prince  persuaded,  and a soft  tongue  breaketh  the bone. 

What does Proverbs 25:15 Mean?

Verse Meaning

By adding a few words, the idea of this verse becomes clearer. "By forbearance [1] a ruler may be persuaded." That Isaiah , do not speak too long. A gentle tongue can be very powerful.
"Calm and patient speech can break down insurmountable opposition." [2]
"The bones are the most rigid body parts inside of a person, and fracturing the bones here refers to breaking down the deepest, most hardened resistance to an idea a person may possess." [3]

Context Summary

Proverbs 25:15-28 - Self-Control And Kindliness
In this paragraph we have good advice as to our dealings with the varied characters with whom we are forced into daily contact. Here is a man hard as a bone-try gentleness, for a soft tongue will win his heart, just because it finds a new and unexpected way of approach which no one else has tried for long years"¦. Beware of honeyed words; you may get stung."¦ Do not make yourself too common, or pry into your neighbor's affairs, or ask his help too often"¦. Keep clear of the tale-bearer."¦ Be very careful to whom you confide your troubles"¦. Vinegar poured on potash makes it effervesce; so joyous mirth is incongruous to a heavy heart"¦. Even if your love fails to meet your enemy, the Lord will reward you by revealing and communicating His own perfection, Matthew 5:43-48."¦ If you frown on a backbiter, you will silence him."¦ Do not give way to the wicked, lest you become a corrupted spring"¦. Rule over your spirit-nay, better, hand over its keys to Emmanuel, and let Him be crowned in Mansoul. [source]

Chapter Summary: Proverbs 25

1  observations about kings
8  and about avoiding causes of quarrels

What do the individual words in Proverbs 25:15 mean?

By long forbearance is persuaded a ruler and a tongue gentle breaks a bone
בְּאֹ֣רֶךְ אַ֭פַּיִם יְפֻתֶּ֣ה קָצִ֑ין וְלָשׁ֥וֹן רַ֝כָּ֗ה תִּשְׁבָּר־ גָּֽרֶם

בְּאֹ֣רֶךְ  By  long 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: אֹרֶךְ  
Sense: length.
אַ֭פַּיִם  forbearance 
Parse: Noun, md
Root: אַף 
Sense: nostril, nose, face.
יְפֻתֶּ֣ה  is  persuaded 
Parse: Verb, Pual, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: פָּתָה 
Sense: to be spacious, be open, be wide.
קָצִ֑ין  a  ruler 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: קָצִין  
Sense: chief, ruler, commander.
וְלָשׁ֥וֹן  and  a  tongue 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Noun, common singular
Root: לָשֹׁון  
Sense: tongue.
רַ֝כָּ֗ה  gentle 
Parse: Adjective, feminine singular
Root: רַךְ  
Sense: tender, soft, delicate, weak.
תִּשְׁבָּר־  breaks 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person feminine singular
Root: שָׁבוּר 
Sense: to break, break in pieces.
גָּֽרֶם  a  bone 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: גֶּרֶם  
Sense: bone, strength, bare?, self?.