Proverbs 16:20-30

20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.^[a]

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech^[b] increases learning.^[c]

22 Insight is a fountain of life^[d] for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools.

23 A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.^{[e] [f]}

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste^[g] and health to the body.^[h][i]

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it is the way of death.^[j]

26 A worker's appetite works for him because his hunger^[k] urges him on.

27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.^[l]

28 A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates friends.^[m]

29 A violent man lures his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good.^[n]

30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.^[o]

Proverbs 16:20-30 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Ps 34:8; 40:4; 84:12; 146:5
• [b] Lit and sweetness of lips
• [c] Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:23
• [d] Pr 10:11; 13:14; 14:27
• [e] Lit learning upon his lips
• [f] Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:21
• [g] Lit throat
• [h] Lit bones
• [i] Pr 15:26,30; 25:13
• [j] Pr 14:12; 24:20
• [k] Lit mouth
• [l] Pr 6:12; 19:28; 26:23
• [m] Pr 6:14,19; 17:9; 26:20-21; 28:25
• [n] Pr 28:10; 1 Sm 12:23; Ps 36:4
• [o] Pr 6:12-14; 10:10; Ps 35:19