Proverbs 15:17-27

17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:17-27 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.

Cross References

• 1. S ver 16; Proverbs 17:1; Ecclesiastes 4:6
• 2. S Proverbs 6:16-19; S Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 26:21
• 3. S Genesis 13:8
• 4. Proverbs 22:5
• 5. S Proverbs 10:1
• 6. S Proverbs 2:14; Proverbs 10:23
• 7. S Psalms 16:7
• 8. 1 Kings 1:12; Proverbs 24:6
• 9. S Proverbs 11:14
• 10. S Proverbs 12:14
• 11. Proverbs 25:11
• 12. S Proverbs 12:7
• 13. S Deuteronomy 19:14; Psalms 68:5-6; Proverbs 23:10-11
• 14. S Psalms 94:11
• 15. S Proverbs 6:16
• 16. S Psalms 18:26
• 17. S Exodus 23:8; S Psalms 15:5; Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 33:15