Proverbs 16:19-29

19 It is better to be 1humble in spirit with the lowly Than to 2divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the word will 3find good, And 4blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The 5wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech 6increases persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The 7heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 8Pleasant words are a honeycomb *, Sweet to the soul and 9healing to the bones.
25 10There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.
27 A 11worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like 12scorching fire.
28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
29 A man of violence 13entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good.

Proverbs 16:19-29 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 6

This chapter gives an account of the building of the temple, for which preparations were before made and begins with the time of its building, 1Ki 6:1; gives the dimensions of it and the porch before it, 1Ki 6:2,3; observes the windows in it and chambers about it, 1Ki 6:4-10; and while it was building, Solomon had a word from the Lord relative to it, 1Ki 6:11-14; and then the account goes on concerning the walls of the house, and the flooring of it, 1Ki 6:15-18; and the oracle in it, and the cherubim in that, 1Ki 6:19-30; and the doors into it, and the carved work of them, 1Ki 6:31-36; and the chapter is concluded with observing the time when it was begun and finished 1Ki 6:37,38.

Cross References 13

  • 1. Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 57:15
  • 2. Exodus 15:9; Judges 5:30; Proverbs 1:13, 14
  • 3. Proverbs 19:8
  • 4. Psalms 2:12; Psalms 34:8; Jeremiah 17:7
  • 5. Hosea 14:9
  • 6. Proverbs 16:23
  • 7. Psalms 37:30; Proverbs 15:28; Matthew 12:34
  • 8. Psalms 19:10; Proverbs 15:26; Proverbs 24:13, 14
  • 9. Proverbs 4:22; Proverbs 17:22
  • 10. Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 14:12
  • 11. Prov 6:12, 14, 18
  • 12. James 3:6
  • 13. Proverbs 1:10; Proverbs 12:26

Footnotes 5

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