Proverbs 15:8-18

8 God can't stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers.

9 A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line.

10 It's a school of hard knocks for those who leave God's path, a dead-end street for those who hate God's rules.

11 Even hell holds no secrets from God - do you think he can't read human hearts? Life Ascends to the Heights

12 Know-it-alls don't like being told what to do; they avoid the company of wise men and women.

13 A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.

14 An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies.

15 A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

16 A simple life in the Fear-of-God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.

17 Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate.

18 Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.

Proverbs 15:8-18 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.