Proverbs 15:21-33

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:21-33 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.

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 2:14; Proverbs 10:23
• 2. S Psalms 16:7
• 3. 1 Kings 1:12; Proverbs 24:6
• 4. S Proverbs 11:14
• 5. S Proverbs 12:14
• 6. Proverbs 25:11
• 7. S Proverbs 12:7
• 8. S Deuteronomy 19:14; Psalms 68:5-6; Proverbs 23:10-11
• 9. S Psalms 94:11
• 10. S Proverbs 6:16
• 11. S Psalms 18:26
• 12. S Exodus 23:8; S Psalms 15:5; Isaiah 1:23; Isaiah 33:15
• 13. S Proverbs 14:8; 1 Peter 3:15
• 14. S Psalms 59:7
• 15. S ver 8; S Job 15:31; Psalms 145:18-19; Isaiah 59:2; S John 9:31
• 16. Proverbs 25:25
• 17. ver 5; S Proverbs 9:7-9; S Proverbs 12:1
• 18. S Proverbs 1:7; S Proverbs 12:1
• 19. S Proverbs 9:7-9; S Proverbs 12:1; Ecclesiastes 7:5
• 20. S Proverbs 1:7
• 21. Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 66:2