Proverbs 16:17-33

17 Good people stay away from evil. By watching what they do, they protect their lives.
18 Pride will destroy a person; a proud attitude leads to ruin.
19 It is better to be humble and be with those who suffer than to share stolen property with the proud.
20 Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy.
21 The wise are known for their understanding. Their pleasant words make them better teachers.
22 Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it, but foolishness brings punishment to fools.
23 Wise people's minds tell them what to say, and that helps them be better teachers.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.
25 Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death.
26 The workers' hunger helps them, because their desire to eat makes them work.
27 Useless people make evil plans, and their words are like a burning fire.
28 A useless person causes trouble, and a gossip ruins friendships.
29 Cruel people trick their neighbors and lead them to do wrong.
30 Someone who winks is planning evil, and the one who grins is planning something wrong.
31 Gray hair is like a crown of honor; it is earned by living a good life.
32 Patience is better than strength. Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city.
33 People throw lots to make a decision, but the answer comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:17-33 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.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.