Proverbs21
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
4 A high look, and a proud heart, Even the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12 The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly 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 is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous cometh in the stead of the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.
24 The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.
26 There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!
28 A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.
Study
Proverbs 21Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 21. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
v1
The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love.
v2
We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.
v3
Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness.
Key Words
מֶלֶךְ: a king
לֵב: the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
פֶּלֶג: a rill (i.e. small channel of water, as in irrigation)
מַיִם: water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
יָד: a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
נָטָה: to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application
חָפֵץ: properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דֶּרֶךְ: a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אִישׁ: a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Proverbs 21Poole notes this is repeated from 16:2 for importance because of man's self-deceit.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct thematic parallel: obedience and moral justice are far superior to ritual sacrifice.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel comparison of a contentious woman to dwelling in the wilderness or a rooftop.
Supported by JFB
Parallel proverb detailing how the simple learns wisdom through witnessing the scorner's punishment.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the substitutionary deliverance of the righteous where the wicked comes in his stead.
Supported by JFB
Self-referential parallel highlighting the misery of dwelling with a brawling, angry woman.
Supported by JFB
Explicit thematic link stating that the war-horse is a vain hope for safety.
Supported by JFB
Parallels God's ultimate sovereign direction over a man's heart and steps.
Supported by JFB
Poole cites this to show doing justice and mercy is what God truly requires.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic parallel confirming that God desires mercy and knowledge over burnt offerings.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illustrates the 'lamp' (translated plowing) as a metaphor for the wicked's prosperity.
Supported by JFB
Parallel highlighting that wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts trusting in military horses and chariots with trusting in the Lord's safety.
Supported by JFB
Illuminates how a secret bribe or gift in the bosom influences judgment.
Supported by JFB
Illustrates that the battle is not always to the strong; ultimate safety belongs to God.
Supported by Matthew Henry