Proverbs 16:7-17

7 When people live so that they please the Lord, even their enemies will make peace with them.

8 It is better to be poor and right than to be wealthy and dishonest.

9 People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do.

10 The words of a king are like a message from God, so his decisions should be fair.

11 The Lord wants honest balances and scales; all the weights are his work.

12 Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair.

13 Kings like honest people; they value someone who speaks the truth.

14 An angry king can put someone to death, so a wise person will try to make him happy.

15 A smiling king can give people life; his kindness is like a spring shower.

16 It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver!

17 Good people stay away from evil. By watching what they do, they protect their lives.

Proverbs 16:7-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 6

This chapter gives an account of the building of the temple, for which preparations were before made and begins with the time of its building, 1Ki 6:1; gives the dimensions of it and the porch before it, 1Ki 6:2,3; observes the windows in it and chambers about it, 1Ki 6:4-10; and while it was building, Solomon had a word from the Lord relative to it, 1Ki 6:11-14; and then the account goes on concerning the walls of the house, and the flooring of it, 1Ki 6:15-18; and the oracle in it, and the cherubim in that, 1Ki 6:19-30; and the doors into it, and the carved work of them, 1Ki 6:31-36; and the chapter is concluded with observing the time when it was begun and finished 1Ki 6:37,38.