Proverbs 21:24-31

24 ¹"Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

25 The desire of ²the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous ³gives and does not hold back.

27 ⁴The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more ⁵when he brings it with evil intent.

28 ⁶A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright ⁷gives thought to^[a] his ways.

30 ⁸No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.

31 ⁹The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but ¹⁰the victory belongs to the LORD.

Proverbs 21:24-31 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.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 1:22; See Psalms 1:1
• 2. [Proverbs 13:4]
• 3. See Psalms 37:26
• 4. Isaiah 66:3; See Proverbs 15:8
• 5. [Proverbs 24:9]
• 6. Proverbs 19:5, 9
• 7. Psalms 119:5
• 8. Isaiah 8:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20; [Proverbs 19:21]
• 9. [Psalms 20:7; Psalms 33:17; Isaiah 31:1]
• 10. Jeremiah 3:23

Footnotes

• [a]. Or establishes