Proverbs 21:20-30

20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.^{[a] [b]}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 21:20-30 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]. Lit it
• [b]. Pr 10:4; 28:20; Mt 25:1-13
• [c]. Pr 3:16; 8:18; Mt 6:33
• [d]. Pr 14:26
• [e]. Pr 12:13; 13:3
• [f]. Pr 21:11
• [g]. Pr 10:4; 12:24; 19:15,24
• [h]. Lit He craves a craving
• [i]. Pr 11:24-25
• [j]. Pr 15:8; 28:9
• [k]. Pr 19:5,9
• [l]. Pr 7:13