Proverbs 15:9-19

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves one who ¹pursues righteousness.

10 Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die.

11 ²Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD, How much * more the ³hearts of men *!

12 A ⁴scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise.

13 A ⁵joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is ⁶sad, the ⁷spirit is broken.

14 The ⁸mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16 ⁹Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it.

17 ¹⁰Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a ¹¹fattened ox served with hatred.

18 A ¹²hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the ¹³slow to anger ¹⁴calms a dispute.

19 The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 15:9-19 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.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Timothy 6:11
• 2. Job 26:6; Psalms 139:8
• 3. 1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalms 44:21; Acts 1:24
• 4. Proverbs 13:1; Amos 5:10
• 5. Proverbs 17:22
• 6. Proverbs 12:25
• 7. Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 18:14
• 8. Proverbs 18:15
• 9. Psalms 37:16; Proverbs 16:8; Ecclesiastes 4:6; 1 Timothy 6:6
• 10. Proverbs 17:1
• 11. Matthew 22:4; Luke 15:23
• 12. Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 26:21; Proverbs 29:22
• 13. Proverbs 14:29
• 14. Genesis 13:8; Proverbs 16:14; Ecclesiastes 10:4

Footnotes

• [a] I.e. the nether world
• [b] I.e. place of destruction
• [c] Lit "sons of Adam"
• [d] Lit "good"
• [e] Lit "in sadness of heart"
• [f] Lit "good"
• [g] Or "reverence"
• [h] Or "portion"
• [i] Or "herbs"