Proverbs 21:18-28

18 The wicked is a 1ransom for the righteous, And the 2treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 3It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20 There is precious 4treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man 5swallows it up.
21 He who 6pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A 7wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who 8guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.
24 "Proud," "Haughty," "9Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with 10insolent pride.
25 The 11desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he is craving, While the righteous 12gives and does not hold back.
27 The 13sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much * more * when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A 14false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

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.

Cross References 14

  • 1. Isaiah 43:3
  • 2. Proverbs 11:8
  • 3. Proverbs 21:9
  • 4. Psalms 112:3; Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 22:4
  • 5. Job 20:15, 18
  • 6. Proverbs 15:9; Matthew 5:6; 1 Corinthians 15:58
  • 7. 2 Samuel 5:6-9; Proverbs 24:5; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Ecclesiastes 9:15, 16
  • 8. Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 18:21; James 3:2
  • 9. Psalms 1:1; Proverbs 1:22; Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 24:9; Isaiah 29:20
  • 10. Isaiah 16:6; Jeremiah 48:29
  • 11. Proverbs 13:4
  • 12. Psalms 37:26; Psalms 112:5, 9; Matthew 5:42; Ephesians 4:28
  • 13. Proverbs 15:8; Isaiah 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; Amos 5:22
  • 14. Proverbs 19:5, 9

Footnotes 2

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