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Proverbs 21

Proverbs21

King James Version · Public Domain

Study

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.

Study

Proverbs 21

Public-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.

Cross References

Proverbs 21
v2Proverbs 16:2thematic

Poole notes this is repeated from 16:2 for importance because of man's self-deceit.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v31 Samuel 15:22thematic

Direct thematic parallel: obedience and moral justice are far superior to ritual sacrifice.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v9Proverbs 21:19thematic

Parallel comparison of a contentious woman to dwelling in the wilderness or a rooftop.

Supported by JFB

v11Proverbs 19:25thematic

Parallel proverb detailing how the simple learns wisdom through witnessing the scorner's punishment.

Supported by JFB

v18Proverbs 11:8thematic

Parallels the substitutionary deliverance of the righteous where the wicked comes in his stead.

Supported by JFB

v19Proverbs 21:9thematic

Self-referential parallel highlighting the misery of dwelling with a brawling, angry woman.

Supported by JFB

v31Psalms 33:17thematic

Explicit thematic link stating that the war-horse is a vain hope for safety.

Supported by JFB

v1Proverbs 16:9thematic

Parallels God's ultimate sovereign direction over a man's heart and steps.

Supported by JFB

v3Micah 6:8thematic

Poole cites this to show doing justice and mercy is what God truly requires.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v3Hosea 6:6thematic

Prophetic parallel confirming that God desires mercy and knowledge over burnt offerings.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v4Proverbs 20:20allusion

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

v31Psalms 20:7contrast

Contrasts trusting in military horses and chariots with trusting in the Lord's safety.

Supported by JFB

v14Proverbs 17:23thematic

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