Proverbs 21:9-19

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

The first and last of these verses are to the same effect. They both express the dreadful state of a sinful unregenerate heart, which pours forth evil, and that continually. Alas! what cause have we in the view of such things, to lament over a sinful, fallen, nature. Precious Jesus! what, but for thy great undertaking in the redemption of that nature, and the regeneration of the heart, could have saved from the wrath to come? James 3:14. And what a beautiful contrast follows in James 3:17!