Proverbs 15:17-27

17 Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity.

18 A passionate man stirs up strife; but slow to anger appeases even a rising one. A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels; but an ungodly man rather stirs up.

19 The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the diligent are made smooth.

20 A wise son gladdens father; but a foolish son sneers at his mother.

21 The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright.

22 They that honour not councils put off deliberation; but counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors.

23 A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common .

24 The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell.

25 The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow.

26 An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour.

27 A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he that hates the receiving of bribes is safe. but by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil.

Proverbs 15:17-27 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]. Gr. future.
• [b]. Or, obey.