Proverbs 21:16-26

16 The man that wanders out of the way of wisdom shall end up in the congregation of the dead.

17 He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.

21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy shall find life, righteousness, and honour.

22 The wise man took the city of the mighty and cast down its strength in which it trusted.

23 Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.

25 The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labour.

26 There is one who covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and keeps on giving.

Proverbs 21:16-26 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.