Proverbs 15:22-32

22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.

23 A ¹man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely ²word!

24 The ³path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below.

25 The LORD will ⁴tear down the house of the proud, But He will ⁵establish the boundary of the ⁶widow.

26 Evil plans are an abomination to the LORD, But pleasant words are pure.

27 He who ⁷profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who ⁸hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous ⁹ponders how to answer, But the ¹⁰mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

29 The LORD is ¹¹far from the wicked, But He ¹²hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones.

31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise.

32 He who ¹³neglects discipline ¹⁴despises himself, But he who ¹⁵listens to reproof acquires understanding.

Proverbs 15:22-32 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. Proverbs 12:14
• 2. Proverbs 25:11; Isaiah 50:4
• 3. Proverbs 4:18
• 4. Proverbs 12:7; Proverbs 14:11
• 5. Deuteronomy 19:14; Proverbs 23:10
• 6. Psalms 68:5; Psalms 146:9
• 7. Proverbs 1:19; Proverbs 28:25; 1 Timothy 6:10
• 8. Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; 1 Samuel 12:3; Isaiah 33:15
• 9. 1 Peter 3:15
• 10. Proverbs 10:32; Proverbs 15:2
• 11. Psalms 18:41; Proverbs 1:28
• 12. Psalms 145:18, 19
• 13. Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 8:33
• 14. Proverbs 8:36
• 15. Proverbs 15:5

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "are established"
• [b]. Lit "answer of his mouth"
• [c]. I.e. the nether world
• [d]. Lit "The light of the eyes gladdens"
• [e]. Lit "heart"