Proverbs 15:18-28

18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.

19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.

20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.

22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.

26 The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.

27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Proverbs 15:18-28 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]. Hebrew Sheol.