Proverbs 25:15 Meaning and Explanation
“By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Patient persistence and gentle speech can persuade even rulers; softness overcomes hardness.
The Context of Proverbs 25:15
The power of patience and gentleness to persuade the powerful.
What Does Proverbs 25:15 Mean?
A prince is a figure of authority and power. Yet this verse teaches that long forbearance—patient, persistent gentle speech—can sway even him. It is a counterintuitive truth: silence broken by consistent, calm words can accomplish what force cannot. A soft tongue is not weak; it is strong in a different way.
The image of softness breaking bone emphasizes the hidden power of gentleness. Water, soft and yielding, wears away stone over time. Persistent, kind words can change the mind of even the most powerful person. This speaks to the deep human need to be respected and heard, which gentle persuasion touches better than demands or anger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:15
What does Proverbs 25:15 mean?
Patient persistence and gentle speech can persuade even rulers; softness overcomes hardness.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:15?
The power of patience and gentleness to persuade the powerful.