Proverbs 21:21-31

21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.^[a]

22 The wise conquer a city of warriors and bring down its mighty fortress.^[b]

23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.^[c]

24 The proud and arrogant person, named "Mocker," acts with excessive pride.^[d]

25 A slacker's craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work.^[e]

26 He is filled with craving^[f] all day long, but the righteous give and don't hold back.^[g]

27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable- how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives!^[h]

28 A lying witness will perish,^[i] but the one who listens will speak successfully.

29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,^[j] but the upright man considers his way.

30 No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel [will prevail] against the Lord.

31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.^[k]

Proverbs 21:21-31 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 3:16; 8:18; Mt 6:33
• [b] Pr 14:26
• [c] Pr 12:13; 13:3
• [d] Pr 21:11
• [e] Pr 10:4; 12:24; 19:15,24
• [f] Lit He craves a craving
• [g] Pr 11:24-25
• [h] Pr 15:8; 28:9
• [i] Pr 19:5,9
• [j] Pr 7:13
• [k] Pr 20:18; 24:6; Ps 20:7; 108:10-13