Proverbs 16:12-22

12 Wicked behavior^[a] is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.^[b]

13 Righteous lips are a king's delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king's fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.^[c]

15 When a king's face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

16 Acquire wisdom- how much better it is than gold! And acquire understanding- it is preferable to silver.^[d]

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.^[e]

18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.^[f]

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble^[g] than to divide plunder with the proud.^[h]

20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.^[i]

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech^[j] increases learning.^[k]

22 Insight is a fountain of life^[l] for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools.

Proverbs 16:12-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 6

This chapter gives an account of the building of the temple, for which preparations were before made and begins with the time of its building, 1Ki 6:1; gives the dimensions of it and the porch before it, 1Ki 6:2,3; observes the windows in it and chambers about it, 1Ki 6:4-10; and while it was building, Solomon had a word from the Lord relative to it, 1Ki 6:11-14; and then the account goes on concerning the walls of the house, and the flooring of it, 1Ki 6:15-18; and the oracle in it, and the cherubim in that, 1Ki 6:19-30; and the doors into it, and the carved work of them, 1Ki 6:31-36; and the chapter is concluded with observing the time when it was begun and finished 1Ki 6:37,38.

Footnotes

• [a]. Whether the wicked behavior is on the part of the king or someone else is ambiguous in Hb.
• [b]. Pr 25:5; Ps 101
• [c]. Ec 10:4
• [d]. Pr 3:14; 8:10,19; 22:1
• [e]. Pr 2:11-13; 15:19
• [f]. Pr 16:5; 18:12; 29:23; Dn 4:37
• [g]. Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted
• [h]. Pr 15:16-17; 16:8; Ps 37:16
• [i]. Ps 34:8; 40:4; 84:12; 146:5
• [j]. Lit and sweetness of lips
• [k]. Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:23
• [l]. Pr 10:11; 13:14; 14:27