Proverbs21
English Standard Version
1The is a of in the of the Lord; he it he .
2 of a is in his own , but the Lord the .
3To and is to the Lord .
4 and a , the of the , are .
5The of the lead to , but who is comes to .
6The of by a is a and a .
7The of the will sweep them , they to what is .
8The of the is , but the of the is .
9It is to in a of the in a with a .
10The of the ; his in his .
11When a is , the becomes ; when a is , he .
12The the of the ; he the down to .
13 his to the of the will call and be .
14A in , and a , .
15When is , it is a to the but to .
16 who the of will in the of the .
17Whoever will be a ; he who and will be .
18The is a for the , and the for the .
19It is to in a with a and .
20 and are in a , but a it.
21Whoever and will , , and .
22A the of the and brings the in which they .
23Whoever his and his of .
24 is the of the , man who with .
25The of the him, his to .
26 he and , but the and does .
27The of the is an ; how when he it with .
28A will , but the of a who will .
29A puts on a , but the gives to his .
30 , , can the Lord.
31The is made for the of , but the belongs to the Lord.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 21.
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