Proverbs 15:11-21

11 Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.

13 A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith.

17 Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.

18 A furious man stirreth up contention; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; but the path of the upright is made plain.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that is void of sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.

Proverbs 15:11-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 5

This chapter relates Solomon's preparation for building the temple: on Hiram, king of Tyre, sending a congratulatory letter to him, he returned another to him, signifying his intention to build an house for God, and requesting him to supply him with timber, and men to work it, 1Ki 5:1-6; to which Hiram readily agreed, and sent him cedar and fir, and Solomon in return sent him food for his household; and things went on very amicably between them, 1Ki 5:7-12; the chapter concludes with an account of Solomon's workmen, where, how, and in what they were employed, 1Ki 5:13-18.

Footnotes

• [a]. Abaddon: Rev. 9.11.
• [b]. Or 'raised up as a causeway:' see ch. 16.17. As 'cast up:' Isa. 57.14.
• [c]. Or 'walketh straight forwards,' or 'uprightly.'