Proverbs 21:14-24

14 A secret gift calms anger down. A hidden favor softens great anger.

15 When you do what is fair, you make godly people glad. But you terrify those who do what is evil.

16 A man who leaves the path of understanding ends up with those who are dead.

17 Anyone who loves pleasure will become poor. Anyone who loves wine and oil will never be rich.

18 Those who do what is evil pay the price for setting godly people free. Those who aren't faithful pay the price for honest people.

19 It is better to live in a desert than to live with a nagging, angry wife.

20 The best food and olive oil are stored up in the houses of wise people. But a foolish man eats up everything he has.

21 Anyone who wants to be godly and loving finds life, success and honor.

22 Those who are wise can attack a strong city. They can pull down the place of safety its people trust in.

23 Anyone who is careful about what he says keeps himself out of trouble.

24 A proud person is called a "mocker." He thinks much too highly of himself.

Proverbs 21:14-24 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.