Proverbs21
King James Version · Public Domain
1The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of 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