Proverbs 16:17-27

17 The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.

19 Better is a meek-spirited with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.

20 skillful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.

21 call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.

23 The heart of the wise will discern the from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.

24 Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.

25 There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.

26 A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from his own ruin.

27 But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.

Proverbs 16:17-27 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] Or, affliction.