Proverbs 21:4-14

4 Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.

7 The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

8 Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12 One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin.

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also himself shall cry, and shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.

Proverbs 21:4-14 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]. Or 'the tillage,' or 'the prosperity.'
• [b]. Or 'in evil.'