Proverbs 15:9-19

9 ADONAI detests the way of the wicked but loves anyone who pursues righteousness.

10 Discipline is severe for one who leaves the way, and whoever can't stand correction will die.

11 Sh'ol and Abaddon lie open to ADONAI; so how much more people's hearts!

12 A scorner does not like being corrected; he won't go to the wise [for advice].

13 A glad heart makes a face happy, but heartache breaks the spirit.

14 The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 For the poor, every day is hard; but the good-hearted have a perpetual feast.

16 Better little with the fear of ADONAI than great wealth coupled with worry.

17 Better a vegetable dinner with love than a stall-fattened ox with hate.

18 Hot-tempered people stir up strife, but patient people quiet quarrels.

19 The lazy person's way seems overgrown by thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

Proverbs 15:9-19 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.