Proverbs 21:7-17

7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to act justly.

8 A criminal's conduct is crooked, but the work of the pure is right.

9 It is better to live on a corner of the roof than to share the house with a nagging wife.

10 The wicked is set on evil; he doesn't pity even his neighbor.

11 When a scorner is punished, the simple become wiser; and when the wise is instructed, he takes hold of knowledge.

12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

13 Whoever stops up his ears at the cry of the poor will himself cry, but not be answered.

14 A secret gift allays anger, and a bribe under the cloak the strongest fury.

15 Acting justly is a joy for the righteous but it terrifies evildoers.

16 The person who strays from the way of common sense will come to rest in the company of the dead.

17 Pleasure-lovers will suffer want; he who loves wine and oil won't get rich.

Proverbs 21:7-17 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.