Proverbs 21:5-15

5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right.

9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.

10 The souls of the wicked desire evil; their neighbors find no mercy in their eyes.

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser; when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.

12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he casts the wicked down to ruin.

13 If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.

14 A gift in secret averts anger; and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk: Heb [seekers]