Proverbs 15:18-28

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

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

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

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

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

23 A man takes joy in giving an answer;^[f] and a timely word-how good that is!

24 For the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25 The Lord destroys the house of the proud, but He protects the widow's territory.

26 The Lord detests the plans of an evil man, but pleasant words are pure.^[g]

27 The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.^[h]

28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^[i]

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 19:19; 22:24-25; 29:22
• [b]. Pr 16:17,31; 22:5-6
• [c]. Pr 10:1; 23:24-25; 29:3,15
• [d]. Pr 4:11,25; 10:23
• [e]. Pr 8:14-16; 11:14; 24:6
• [f]. Lit in an answer of his mouth
• [g]. Pr 11:20; 15:8-9; 16:24
• [h]. Pr 1:19; 17:23; 28:16; Ps 15:5
• [i]. Pr 15:2; 18:13