Proverbs 21

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. 25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.

Commentary — not Bible text

Proverbs 21:4

4. high look--(Compare Margin; Psa 131:1).

proud heart--or, "heart of breadth," one that is swollen (compare Psa 101:5).

ploughing--better "lamp," a frequent figure for prosperity (Pr 20:20); hence joy or delight.

Proverbs 21:5

5. The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (compare Pr 19:2).

Proverbs 21:6

6. The getting--or, "what is obtained" (compare Job 7:2; Jr 22:13, Hebrew).

vanity ... to and fro--as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind (compare Pr 20:17-21; Psa 62:10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory.

them ... death--act as if they did (Pr 8:36; 17:19).

Proverbs 21:7

7. robbery--or, "destruction," especially oppression, of which they are authors.

shall destroy--literally, "cut with a saw" (1Ki 7:9), that is, utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind.

to do judgment--what is just and right.

Proverbs 21:8

8. of man--any one; his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct.

Proverbs 21:9

9. corner--a turret or arbor on the roof.

brawling--or contentious.

wide house--literally, "house of fellowship," large enough for several families.

Proverbs 21:10

10. So strongly does he desire to do evil (Psa 10:3; Ec 8:11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.

Proverbs 21:11

11. (Compare Pr 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.

Proverbs 21:12

12. (Compare Psa 37:35-38; 73:17, 20).

house--family or interests.

overthroweth--either supply "God" (compare Pr 10:24), or the word is used impersonally.

Proverbs 21:13

13. The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Psa 18:26; Mt 7:1-12).

Proverbs 21:14

14. The effect of bribery (Pr 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.

Proverbs 21:15

15. But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.

Proverbs 21:16

16. the way of understanding--(Compare Pr 12:26; 14:22).

remain--that is, rest as at a journey's end; death will be his unchanging home.

Proverbs 21:17

17. Costly luxuries impoverish.

Proverbs 21:18

18. (Compare Pr 11:8). By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (compare Jos 7:26; Es 7:9).

Proverbs 21:19

19. (Compare Pr 21:9).

wilderness--pasture, though uninhabitable ground (Psa 65:12).

Proverbs 21:20

20. The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools

spend--literally, "swallow it up," greedily.

Proverbs 21:21

21. He who tries to act justly and kindly (Psa 34:14) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.

Proverbs 21:22

22. "Wisdom is better than strength" (Ec 7:19; 9:15).

strength ... thereof--that in which they confide.

Proverbs 21:24

24. The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.

Proverbs 21:25

25. desire--that is, of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.

Proverbs 21:26

26. The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.

Proverbs 21:27

27. God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency.

wicked mind--or, "design" (Pr 1:4).

Proverbs 21:28

28. (Compare Pr 19:5).

that heareth--or heeds instruction, and so grows wise.

speaketh constantly--or sincerely (compare Ha 1:5), and hence is believed (Pr 12:19; Jas 1:19).

Proverbs 21:29

29. hardeneth his face--is obstinate.

directeth ... way--considers it, and acts advisedly.

Proverbs 21:30-31

30-31. Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid (Pr 19:21; Psa 20:7; 33:17).

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