Proverbs 21:9-19

9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His 1neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the 2scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the 3wicked to ruin.
13 He who 4shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be 5answered.
14 A 6gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is 7terror to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will 8rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who 9loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a 10ransom for the righteous, And the 11treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 12It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

Proverbs 21:9-19 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 12

  • 1. Psalms 52:3; Proverbs 2:14; Proverbs 14:21
  • 2. Proverbs 19:25
  • 3. Proverbs 14:11
  • 4. Matthew 18:30-34; 1 John 3:17
  • 5. James 2:13
  • 6. Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 19:6
  • 7. Proverbs 10:29
  • 8. Psalms 49:14
  • 9. Proverbs 23:21
  • 10. Isaiah 43:3
  • 11. Proverbs 11:8
  • 12. Proverbs 21:9

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Lit "with a woman of contentions and a house of association"
  • [b]. Lit "simple"
  • [c]. Lit "departed spirits"
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