From the tongue and lips of the wise comes well-thought-out, healing, pleasant, beneficial speech (Prov. 12:18; 16:21; Eccl. 12:9-11; Col. 3:15, 16), and instead of stirring up trouble they seek to bring calm and to ‘win souls’ by wise persuasion.—Prov. 11:30; 15:1-7; 16:21-23; 29:8.

The repetition of certain proverbs suggests that the book was compiled from various separate collections.—Compare Proverbs 10:1 and 15:20; 10:2 and 11:4; 14:20 and 19:4; 16:2 and 21:2.

“The ones blameless in their way are a pleasure to him,” as also are the prayers of such ones. (Prov. 11:20; 15:8, 29)

In the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures ta·ʽavʹ and toh·ʽe·vahʹ are used to describe commercial cheating or fraud (Deut. 25:13-16; Prov. 11:1; 20:10, 23), lying (Ps. 5:6; 119:163; Prov. 12:19, 22), adultery (Ezek. 33:26), robbery, greed and oppression of the poor (Ezek. 18:10-13), pride, shedding of innocent blood, hurtful scheming, bearing false witness, and causing contention among brothers, all of which are termed “detestable” by God.—Prov. 3:32; 6:16-19; 11:20; 15:26; 24:9; 26:24-26.

The practice of these things also makes one’s worship unacceptable to God, causing such one’s sacrifices and even his prayers to be “detestable” to God. (Prov. 15:8, 9; 21:27; 28:9)

David thanked God for the woman’s good sense and quick action.—Vss. 32-35; compare Proverbs 25:21, 22; 15:1, 2.

Since partaking of meals in moderation can be most delightful, the condition of one who is joyful at heart is comparable to a continuous feast. (Prov. 15:15)

Says the proverb: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.”—Prov. 15:17.

But by proper use of the tongue to praise God and to speak right things, one continues in the way of life.—Ps. 34:12-14; 63:3; Prov. 15:4; see HEART.

Similarly, “the calmness of the tongue is a tree of life, but distortion in it means a breaking down in the spirit.” (Prov. 15:4)

By God’s help, one can come to “understand heart,” that is, to learn right motive and also be able to discern bad motives, one’s own or those of others (Prov. 8:5), and by adhering to right motivation can avoid being distracted, misled or sidetracked into a devious and foolish course, and instead can be upright and head straight for one’s goal.—Prov. 15:21.

The “understanding heart is one that searches for knowledge”; it is not satisfied with a mere superficial view but seeks to get the full picture. (Prov. 15:14)

Those who observe God’s commandments and do “the things that are pleasing in his eyes” have the assurance that his “ears” are also open to them.—1 John 3:22; Ps. 10:17; Prov. 15:8; 1 Pet. 3:12.

Conversely, those who disregard God’s Word and law, shedding blood, and practicing other wickedness, do not receive a favorable hearing with God; their prayers are “detestable” to him. (Prov. 15:29; 28:9; Isa. 1:15; Mic. 3:4)