Proverbs 21:14-24

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.

15 To do justice [is] joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.

16 A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, In an assembly of Rephaim resteth.

17 Whoso [is] loving mirth [is] a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.

18 The wicked [is] an atonement for the righteous, And for the upright the treacherous dealer.

19 Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than [with] a woman of contentions and anger.

20 A treasure to be desired, and oil, [Is] in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.

21 Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22 A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.

23 Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.

24 Proud, haughty, scorner [is] his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride.

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.