Proverbs 21:12-22

12 A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.

13 He that stops his ears from hearing the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear .

14 A secret gift calms anger: but he that forbears to give stirs up strong wrath.

15 the joy of the righteous to do judgment: but a holy is abominable with evil-doers.

16 A man that wanders out of the way of righteousness, shall rest in the congregation of giants.

17 A poor man loves mirth, loving wine and oil in abundance;

18 and a transgressor is the abomination of a righteous man.

19 better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and talkative and passionate woman.

20 A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise; but foolish men will swallow it up.

21 The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory.

22 A wise man assaults strong cities, and demolishes the fortress in which the ungodly trusted.

Proverbs 21:12-22 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. Rephaim. see Appendix. Note on II. Kings (II. Sam.) 5. 18.
• [b]. Gr. `off-scouring;' perhaps `ransom,' q. d. that which cleans.