Proverbs 21:18-28

18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous, for[a] the upright.[b]
19 Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.[c]
20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.[d] [e]
21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.[f]
22 The wise conquer a city of warriors and bring down its mighty fortress.[g]
23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.[h]
24 The proud and arrogant person, named "Mocker," acts with excessive pride.[i]
25 A slacker's craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work.[j]
26 He is filled with craving[k] all day long, but the righteous give and don't hold back.[l]
27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable- how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives![m]
28 A lying witness will perish,[n] but the one who listens will speak successfully.

Proverbs 21:18-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 9

This chapter relates a second vision Solomon had at Gibeon, in which he received an answer to his prayer in the preceding chapter, 1Ki 9:1-9 that passed between him and Hiram king of Tyre, 1Ki 9:10-14, the places that Solomon built or repaired, 1Ki 9:15-19, the Canaanitish people that became bondmen to him, and the officers he had among the children of Israel, 1Ki 9:20-23 the removal of Pharaoh's daughter to the house built for her, 1Ki 9:24. Solomon's attention to religious services, 1Ki 9:25 and the navy of ships he employed, which brought him in great riches, 1Ki 9:26-28.

Footnotes 14

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