Proverbs 15:11-22

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord ^[a]- how much more, human hearts.

12 A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him;^[b] he will not consult the wise.

13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart [produces] a broken spirit.^[c]

14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.^[d]

15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil.

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.^[e]

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict, but a man slow to anger calms strife.^[f]

19 A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.^[g]

20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish one despises his mother.^[h]

21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path.^[i]

22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.^[j]

Proverbs 15:11-22 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Jb 26:6
• [b]. Pr 9:8
• [c]. Pr 14:30; 15:30; 17:22; 18:14
• [d]. Pr 14:33; 18:15; Mt 12:34
• [e]. Ps 37:16; 16:8,19; 17:1
• [f]. Pr 19:19; 22:24-25; 29:22
• [g]. Pr 16:17,31; 22:5-6
• [h]. Pr 10:1; 23:24-25; 29:3,15
• [i]. Pr 4:11,25; 10:23
• [j]. Pr 8:14-16; 11:14; 24:6