Proverbs 21:4-14

4 A high look, and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; And everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.

6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.

7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, Because they refuse to do what is right.

8 The way of the guilty is devious, But the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than to share a house with a contentious woman.

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom; When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, And brings the wicked to ruin.

13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, He will also cry out, but shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifies anger; And a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.

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.