Proverbs 15:9-19

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him ¹who pursues righteousness.

10 There is ²severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; ³whoever hates reproof will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more ⁴the hearts of the children of man!

12 ⁵A scoffer ⁶does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

13 ⁷A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by ⁸sorrow of heart the spirit is ⁹crushed.

14 ¹⁰The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but ¹¹the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.

16 ¹²Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.

17 ¹³Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than ¹⁴a fattened ox and hatred with it.

18 ¹⁵A hot-tempered man ¹⁶stirs up strife, but he who is ¹⁷slow to anger quiets contention.

19 The way of ¹⁸a sluggard is like a hedge of ¹⁹thorns, but the path of the upright is ²⁰a 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.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 21:21; 1 Timothy 6:11; [Proverbs 11:19]
• 2. [Isaiah 1:5]
• 3. See Proverbs 12:1
• 4. 2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalms 44:21; John 2:24; See 1 Samuel 16:7
• 5. See Psalms 1:1
• 6. Amos 5:10
• 7. [ver. 15; Proverbs 17:22]
• 8. See Proverbs 12:25
• 9. Proverbs 18:14
• 10. Proverbs 14:6; Proverbs 19:24
• 11. ver. 13
• 12. Proverbs 16:8; Psalms 37:16; [1 Timothy 6:6]
• 13. Proverbs 17:1
• 14. [Matthew 22:4; Luke 15:23]
• 15. Proverbs 29:22; [Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 26:21]
• 16. Proverbs 28:25
• 17. See Proverbs 14:29
• 18. Proverbs 19:24; Proverbs 22:13
• 19. Proverbs 22:5
• 20. Jeremiah 18:15