Proverbs 21:13-23

13 He who 1shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be 2answered.
14 A 3gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is 4terror to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will 5rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who 6loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a 7ransom for the righteous, And the 8treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 9It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20 There is precious 10treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man 11swallows it up.
21 He who 12pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A 13wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who 14guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:13-23 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.

Cross References 14

  • 1. Matthew 18:30-34; 1 John 3:17
  • 2. James 2:13
  • 3. Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 19:6
  • 4. Proverbs 10:29
  • 5. Psalms 49:14
  • 6. Proverbs 23:21
  • 7. Isaiah 43:3
  • 8. Proverbs 11:8
  • 9. Proverbs 21:9
  • 10. Psalms 112:3; Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 22:4
  • 11. Job 20:15, 18
  • 12. Proverbs 15:9; Matthew 5:6; 1 Corinthians 15:58
  • 13. 2 Samuel 5:6-9; Proverbs 24:5; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Ecclesiastes 9:15, 16
  • 14. Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 18:21; James 3:2

Footnotes 2

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