Proverbs 16:19-33

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

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

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

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

23 A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.^{[g] [h]}

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste^[i] and health to the body.^[j][k]

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it is the way of death.^[l]

26 A worker's appetite works for him because his hunger^[m] urges him on.

27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.^[n]

28 A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates friends.^[o]

29 A violent man lures his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good.^[p]

30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.^[q]

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;^[r] it is found in the way of righteousness.

32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper,^[s] than capturing a city.^[t]

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.^[u]

Proverbs 16:19-33 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]. Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted
• [b]. Pr 15:16-17; 16:8; Ps 37:16
• [c]. Ps 34:8; 40:4; 84:12; 146:5
• [d]. Lit and sweetness of lips
• [e]. Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:23
• [f]. Pr 10:11; 13:14; 14:27
• [g]. Lit learning upon his lips
• [h]. Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:21
• [i]. Lit throat
• [j]. Lit bones
• [k]. Pr 15:26,30; 25:13
• [l]. Pr 14:12; 24:20
• [m]. Lit mouth
• [n]. Pr 6:12; 19:28; 26:23
• [o]. Pr 6:14,19; 17:9; 26:20-21; 28:25
• [p]. Pr 28:10; 1 Sm 12:23; Ps 36:4
• [q]. Pr 6:12-14; 10:10; Ps 35:19
• [r]. Pr 4:9; 20:29; Lv 19:32
• [s]. Lit and ruling over one's spirit
• [t]. Pr 25:15,28; 29:11
• [u]. Pr 16:1; 19:21; 21:31