Proverbs 15:18-28

18 Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.

19 The path of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of those who do right is a clear road.

20 A wise child brings joy to a father, but fools despise their mothers.

21 Folly is joy to those who lack sense, but those with understanding walk straight ahead.

22 Plans fail with no counsel, but with many counselors they succeed.

23 To give an appropriate answer is a joy; how good is a word at the right time!

24 For those with insight, life is an upward path, avoiding the grave below.

25 The LORD snatches away the arrogant one's house, but he preserves the widow's boundaries.

26 The LORD detests evil plans, but gracious words are pure.

27 Those who acquire things unjustly gain trouble for their house, but those who hate bribes will live.

28 The righteous heart reflects before answering, but the wicked mouth blurts out evil.

Proverbs 15:18-28 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]. Heb Sheol