Proverbs 15:8-18

8 The sacrifices of wicked men be abominable to the Lord; the avows of just men be pleasant. (The sacrifices of the wicked be abominable to the Lord; but the vows of the righteous be pleasing to him.)

9 The life of the unpious man is (an) abomination to the Lord; he that followeth rightfulness, shall be loved of the Lord. (The life of an evil person is an abomination to the Lord; but he who followeth righteousness, shall be loved by the Lord.)

10 Evil teaching is of men that forsake the way of life; he that hateth blamings shall die. (Evil teaching is from those who abandon the way of life; he who hateth rebukes shall die.)

11 Hell and perdition be open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of [the] sons (and daughters) of men.

12 A man full of pestilence loveth not him that reproveth him; and he goeth not to wise men.

13 A joyful heart maketh glad the face; (but) the spirit is cast down in the mourning of (the) soul.

14 The heart of a wise man seeketh teaching; and the mouth of fools is fed with unknowing, (or with ignorance).

15 All the days of a poor man be evil; a secure soul is a continual feast. (All the days of the poor be evil; the life of a secure soul is a continual feast.)

16 Better is a little with the dread of the Lord, than many treasures and unfillable. (Better is a little with the fear of the Lord/with reverence for the Lord, than many treasures and troubles.)

17 It is better to be called to worts with charity, than with hatred to a calf made fat. (It is better to be warmly, or cordially, called to herbs, or vegetables, than to be hatefully invited to share a fattened calf.)

18 A wrathful man raiseth chidings; he that is patient, assuageth chidings that were raised.

Proverbs 15:8-18 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.