Proverbs 15:2-12

2 The tongue of the wise will dispense knowledge, but the mouth of fools will pour out folly.

3 In every place, the eyes of Yahweh keep watch over the evil and the good.

4 Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it [causes] a break in spirit.

5 A fool will despise the instruction of his father, but he who guards reproof is prudent.

6 [In] the house of the righteous [there is] much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

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

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination of Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

9 An abomination of Yahweh is the way of the wicked, but he who pursues righteousness he will love.

10 Severe discipline [belongs] to him who forsakes the way; he who hates a rebuke will die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon [are] before Yahweh, {how much more} the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scoffer does not like {his rebuke}; to the wise he will not go.

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]. Or "Healing"
• [b]. That is, the tongue
• [c]. Or "mind"
• [d]. A term for the place where the dead reside, i.e., the Underworld
• [e]. Poetic synonym for "Sheol." Only mentioned in the ot in relation to Sheol, the grave, or death.
• [f]. Literally "more for"
• [g]. Literally "rebuke [belonging] to him"