Proverbs 21:13-23

13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered.^[a]

14 A secret gift soothes anger, and a covert bribe,^[b] fierce rage.^[c]

15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to those who practice iniquity.^[d]

16 The man who strays from the way of wisdom will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.^[e]

17 The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.^[f]

18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous, for^[g] the upright.^[h]

19 Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.^[i]

20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.^{[j] [k]}

21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.^[l]

22 The wise conquer a city of warriors and bring down its mighty fortress.^[m]

23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.^[n]

Proverbs 21:13-23 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]. Pr 14:31; 17:5; 19:17
• [b]. Lit a bribe in the bosom
• [c]. Pr 17:8; 18:16; 19:6
• [d]. Pr 10:29
• [e]. Pr 2:18; 9:18
• [f]. Ec 2:1-3,10-11
• [g]. Or in place of
• [h]. Pr 11:8
• [i]. Pr 15:16-17; 17:1; 21:9; 25:24
• [j]. Lit it
• [k]. Pr 10:4; 28:20; Mt 25:1-13
• [l]. Pr 3:16; 8:18; Mt 6:33
• [m]. Pr 14:26
• [n]. Pr 12:13; 13:3