Proverbs 21:4-14

4 Haughty looks, a proud heart -what the wicked plow is sin.

5 The plans of the diligent lead only to abundance; but all who rush in arrive only at want.

6 A fortune gained by a lying tongue is vapor dispersed [by] seekers of death.

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.

Proverbs 21:4-14 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.