Proverbs 16:23-33

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

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste^[c] and health to the body.^[d][e]

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;^[l] it is found in the way of righteousness.

32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper,^[m] than capturing a city.^[n]

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.^[o]

Proverbs 16:23-33 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] Lit learning upon his lips
• [b] Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:21
• [c] Lit throat
• [d] Lit bones
• [e] Pr 15:26,30; 25:13
• [f] Pr 14:12; 24:20
• [g] Lit mouth
• [h] Pr 6:12; 19:28; 26:23
• [i] Pr 6:14,19; 17:9; 26:20-21; 28:25
• [j] Pr 28:10; 1 Sm 12:23; Ps 36:4
• [k] Pr 6:12-14; 10:10; Ps 35:19
• [l] Pr 4:9; 20:29; Lv 19:32
• [m] Lit and ruling over one's spirit
• [n] Pr 25:15,28; 29:11
• [o] Pr 16:1; 19:21; 21:31