Proverbs 21:16-26

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.
23 He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.
24 A bold and self-willed and insolent is called a pest: and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.
25 Desires kill the sluggard; for his hands do not choose to do anything.
26 An ungodly man entertains evil desires all the day: but the righteous is unsparingly merciful and compassionate.

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.

Footnotes 2

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

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.