Proverbs 15:9-19

9 The way of the evil-doer is disgusting to the Lord, but he who goes after righteousness is dear to him.

10 There is bitter punishment for him who is turned from the way; and death will be the fate of the hater of teaching.

11 Before the Lord are the underworld and destruction: how much more, then, the hearts of the children of men!

12 The hater of authority has no love for teaching: he will not go to the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a shining face, but by the sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 The heart of the man of good sense goes in search of knowledge, but foolish things are the food of the unwise.

15 All the days of the troubled are evil; but he whose heart is glad has an unending feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great wealth together with trouble.

17 Better is a simple meal where love is, than a fat ox and hate with it.

18 An angry man makes men come to blows, but he who is slow to get angry puts an end to fighting.

19 Thorns are round the way of the hater of work; but the road of the hard worker becomes a highway.

Proverbs 15:9-19 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.