Proverbs 15:2-12

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^[a]

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.^[b]

4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^[c] but a devious tongue^[d] breaks the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but a person who heeds correction is sensible.^[e]

6 The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

7 The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.^[f]

9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness.^[g]

10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord ^[h]- how much more, human hearts.

12 A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him;^[i] he will not consult the wise.

Proverbs 15:2-12 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]. Pr 15:28
• [b]. 2 Ch 16:9; Zch 4:10
• [c]. Pr 11:30; 13:12
• [d]. Lit but crookedness in it
• [e]. Pr 3:11; 12:1; 15:31-33
• [f]. Pr 15:29; 21:27; 28:9
• [g]. Pr 3:32; 11:20; 12:22
• [h]. Jb 26:6
• [i]. Pr 9:8