Proverbs 25:15 (BSB)

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

From Proverbs 25. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 25:15

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 25:15: Two things are here recommended to us, in dealing with others, as likely means to gain our point: - 1. Patience, to bear a present heat without being put into a heat by it, and to wait for a fit opportunity to offer our reasons and to give persons time to consider them.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 25:15: By long forbearing is a prince persuaded,.... To come into measures, and do that which his council and ministry advise him to, and to which he may seem at first very averse; but by a mild and gentle representation of things, by an humble submission of them to him, and by frequent remonstrances and patient waiting, his mind is softened, bent, and inclined to take...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 25:15: Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate. long forbearing--or, "slowness to anger" (Pro 14:29; Pro 15:18).
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 25:15: By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (l) By not creating opportunity to provoke him further. (m) That is, the heart that is bent to anger, as in .