Proverbs Twenty One

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

in his own eyes. Even imprisoned criminals are commonly found still to be justifying—or at least ignoring—the sinful deeds which caused their problems, and blaming others instead. The human “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). It takes God Himself, the Holy Spirit, to bring true conviction and repentance to the heart of a sinner (John 16:7-11).

Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

than sacrifice. Note also Micah 6:7-8; Psalm 51:16-17; Hosea 6:6; 1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 9:13.

Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Proverbs 21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

Proverbs 21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

congregation of the dead. The spirits of the lost are in sheol awaiting judgment and are quite conscious, even though their bodies are in the grave. Note the graphic description of this “congregation” in Ezekiel 32:18-32.

Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

Proverbs 21:18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

abomination. Pious adherence to rules of religious ritualism is hypocrisy without a godly life. It is here called “abomination,” a word often used to describe idolatry. Thus even religious practices ordained by God can become equivalent to idolatry under such circumstances. Note also Proverbs 28:9.

Proverbs 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

no wisdom. Those intellectuals who reject the Lord as Creator and Savior, despite their pretense of superior wisdom, are actually fools (Psalm 14:1). The very foundation of true wisdom and knowledge is “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), and in Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.