Proverbs 15:1-30

1 A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity.

3 The LORD's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people.

4 Wholesome speech is a tree of life, but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.

5 A fool doesn't like a father's instruction, but those who heed correction are mature.

6 Great treasure is in the house of the righteous, but the gain of the wicked brings trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools have none.

8 The LORD detests the sacrifices of the wicked, but favors the prayers of those who do right.

9 The LORD detests the path of the wicked, but loves those who pursue righteousness.

10 Discipline is severe for those who abandon the way; those who hate correction will die.

11 The grave and the underworld lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of human beings!

12 Mockers don't like those who correct them. They won't go to the wise.

13 A joyful heart brightens one's face, but a troubled heart breaks the spirit.

14 An understanding heart seeks knowledge; but fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the needy are hard, but a happy heart has a continual feast.

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

17 Better a meal of greens with love than a plump calf with hate.

18 Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.

19 The path of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of those who do right is a clear road.

20 A wise child brings joy to a father, but fools despise their mothers.

21 Folly is joy to those who lack sense, but those with understanding walk straight ahead.

22 Plans fail with no counsel, but with many counselors they succeed.

23 To give an appropriate answer is a joy; how good is a word at the right time!

24 For those with insight, life is an upward path, avoiding the grave below.

25 The LORD snatches away the arrogant one's house, but he preserves the widow's boundaries.

26 The LORD detests evil plans, but gracious words are pure.

27 Those who acquire things unjustly gain trouble for their house, but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The righteous heart reflects before answering, but the wicked mouth blurts out evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayers of the righteous.

30 Bright eyes give joy to the heart; good news strengthens the bones.

Proverbs 15:1-30 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] Heb Sheol
• [b] Heb Abaddon
• [c] Heb Sheol