Proverbs 15:1-11

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who heeds admonition is prudent.

6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

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

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

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD, how much more the hearts of men!

Proverbs 15:1-11 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.