Proverbs 21:1-9

1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; he directs it wherever he wants.

2 Everyone's path is straight in their own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.

3 Acting with righteousness and justice is more valued by the LORD than sacrifice.

4 Prideful eyes, an arrogant heart, and the lamp of the wicked are all sinful.

5 The plans of the diligent end up in profit, but those who hurry end up with loss.

6 Those who gain treasure with lies are like a drifting fog, leading to death.

7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, for they refuse to act with justice.

8 The ways of some people are twisted and strange, but the behavior of those who do right is pure.

9 Better to live on the edge of a roof than with a contentious woman in a large house.

Proverbs 21:1-9 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.