Proverbs 15:16-26

16 Better little with the fear of ADONAI than great wealth coupled with worry.

17 Better a vegetable dinner with love than a stall-fattened ox with hate.

18 Hot-tempered people stir up strife, but patient people quiet quarrels.

19 The lazy person's way seems overgrown by thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

20 A wise son is a joy to his father, and only a fool despises his mother.

21 Folly appeals to one who lacks sense, but a person of discernment goes straight ahead.

22 Without deliberation, plans go wrong; but with many advisers, they succeed.

23 People take pleasure in anything they say; but a word at the right time, how good it is!

24 For the prudent, the path of life goes upward; thus he avoids Sh'ol below.

25 ADONAI will pull down the houses of the proud, but preserves intact the widow's boundaries.

26 ADONAI detests plans to do evil, but kind words are pure.

Proverbs 15:16-26 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.