Proverbs 21:5-15

5 The plans of hard-working people earn a profit, but those who act too quickly become poor.

6 Wealth that comes from telling lies vanishes like a mist and leads to death.

7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do what is right.

8 Guilty people live dishonest lives, but honest people do right.

9 It is better to live in a corner on the roofn than inside the house with a quarreling wife.

10 Evil people only want to harm others. Their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11 If you punish those who make fun of wisdom, a foolish person may gain some wisdom. But if you teach the wise, they will get knowledge.

12 God, who is always right, watches the house of the wicked and brings ruin on every evil person.

13 Whoever ignores the poor when they cry for help will also cry for help and not be answered.

14 A secret gift will calm an angry person; a present given in secrecy will quiet great anger.

15 When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are ruined.

Proverbs 21:5-15 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.