Proverbs 21:23-31

23 He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue (under control), keepeth his soul from anguishes.

24 A proud man and (a) boaster is called a fool, (for) that (he) worketh (his) pride in ire.

25 Desires slay a slow man; for his hands would not (do) work (of) anything. (Desires shall slay a lazy person; for his hands shall not do any work.)

26 All day he coveteth and desireth; but he that is a just man, shall give, and shall not cease. (All day long he wanteth, and longeth for; but he who is righteous, shall give, and shall never cease to give.)

27 The offerings of wicked men (The offerings of the wicked), that be offered (out) of great trespass, be abominable.

28 A false witness shall perish; a man obedient shall speak victory (but an honest person shall speak, and be rewarded).

29 A wicked man maketh firm his cheer unshamefastly; but he that is rightful, amendeth his way. (A wicked person unashamedly maketh firm his face, or is stubborn; but he who is upright, mendeth his way.)

30 No wisdom there is, no prudence there is, no counsel there is, against the Lord. (There is no wisdom, no understanding, no good advice, in being against the Lord.)

31 An horse is made ready to the day of battle; but the Lord shall give health. (A horse can be prepared for the day of battle; but victory cometh only from the Lord.)

Proverbs 21:23-31 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.