Proverbs 21:1-9

1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 A high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing 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 vanity tossed to and fro by them that seek death.

7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

8 The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.

9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:1-9 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.