Proverbs 15:18-28

18 A passionate man stirreth up strifes: he that is patient appeaseth those that are stirred up.

19 The way of the slothful is as a hedge of thorns: the way of the just is without offence.

20 A wise son maketh a father joyful: but the foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps.

22 Designs are brought to nothing where there is no counsel: but where there are many counsellors, they are established.

23 A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word in due time is best.

24 The path of life is above for the wise, that he may decline from the lowest hell.

25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: and will strengthen the borders of the widow.

26 Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord: and pure words most beautiful shall be confirmed by him.

27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth bribes shall live. By mercy and faith sins are purged away: and by the fear of the Lord every one declineth from evil.

28 The mind of the just studieth obedience: the mouth of the wicked overfloweth with evils.

Proverbs 15:18-28 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.