Proverbs 21:8-18

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.

10 Wicked people desire evil; their neighbors receive no mercy from them.

11 When a mocker is punished, the naive person gains wisdom; when insight comes to the wise, knowledge increases.

12 The righteous one observes the house of the wicked, turning the wicked toward trouble.

13 Those who close their ears to the cries of the poor will themselves call out but receive no answer.

14 A secret gift calms anger, and a hidden bribe removes furious wrath.

15 Acting justly is a joy to the righteous, but dreaded by those who do evil.

16 People who wander from the path of insight will rest in the company of the dead.

17 Those who love pleasure end up poor; lovers of wine and oil won't get rich.

18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous will be punished in the place of the virtuous.

Proverbs 21:8-18 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb lacks removes.
• [b]. Heb lacks will be punished.