Proverbs 21:5-15

5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.

8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.

9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

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

11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:5-15 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]. Septuagint reads Pursue vanity on the snares of death; Vulgate reads Is vain and foolish, and shall stumble on the snares of death; Targum reads They shall be destroyed, and they shall fall who seek death.
• [b]. Literally drag them away
• [c]. Or The way of a man is perverse and strange
• [d]. Literally in the bosom