What does Proverbs 15:5 mean?
Solomon writes once again about the relationship of a son to his father's instruction (Proverbs 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 7:1; 13:1). Those who take care to follow wisdom can avoid many harms (Proverbs 14:15–18).Deuteronomy 6:4–9 conveys the Lord's command to parents to instruct their children in the Lord's commands. He tells them to instruct their children both at home and outside the home, in both formal and informal sessions. Foremost among these teachings is the command to love God "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5).
This same advice also applies to parents in the modern era. Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to bring their children up under godly wisdom, and with careful words. In the same chapter, children are commanded to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1). Solomon notes that rejecting a wiser man's teaching is unwise; the sensible person listens to good advice. He accepts correction and alters his lifestyle accordingly (Proverbs 10:17).
Proverbs 15:1–5 focuses on the wisdom of responding correctly to disagreement and correction. Several verses note the value in "soft" or "gentle" answers in resolving conflict. Those who unleash a torrent of attacks and criticisms are foolish, compared to those who take the time to consider an answer. Solomon reminds the reader that God sees and knows all, and he gives another reminder of the importance of listening to wise counselors.
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.