Proverbs 15:17-27

17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife, but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of a slothful man is as a hedge of thorns, but the path of the righteous is made a plain.

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

21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom, but the man of understanding walketh uprightly.

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season -- how good it is!

24 The path of life is upward for the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the border of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

27 He that is greedy for gain troubleth his own house, but he that hateth bribes shall 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.