Proverbs 21

Proverbs on the King and Righteousness

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty., as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. References Lord: Proverbs 16:1, 16:9, 20:24. Kingdom: Ezra 6:22, Nehemiah 1:11, Acts 7:10. Parallel theme: Psalms 105:25, 106:46, Isaiah 43:19, Daniel 4:35 +5

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. References Lord: Proverbs 16:2, 1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10. Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:25, 24:12, 30:12, Psalms 36:2, Luke 16:15, Galatians 6:3, James 1:22 +5

3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrificeSacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach). The Hebrew zevach (זֶבַח) denotes a sacrifice or offering—an animal slaughtered for worship. Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, 'the Lamb of God' (John 1:29).. Sacrifice: Proverbs 15:8, 1 Samuel 15:22, Psalms 50:8, Hosea 6:6, Mark 12:33

4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sinSin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah). The Hebrew chatta'ah (חַטָּאת) means sin—missing the mark of God's standard. It encompasses rebellion, transgression, and falling short of divine holiness.. Evil: Proverbs 8:13. Parallel theme: Proverbs 6:17, Isaiah 2:17, 1 Peter 5:5

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:4, 13:4, 14:29, 28:22, Ephesians 4:28

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. Parallel theme: Proverbs 8:36, 10:2, 13:11, 20:21, Jeremiah 17:11

7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgmentJudgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat). The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment or justice—God's righteous decisions and ordinances. God is the Judge of all the earth who 'shall do right' (Genesis 18:25), executing perfect justice.. Judgment: Ephesians 5:6. Parallel theme: Proverbs 21:21

8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. Parallel theme: Proverbs 2:15

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:4, 15:17, 17:1, 19:13, 21:19, 25:24

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. Evil: Proverbs 3:29. Parallel theme: 1 John 2:16

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. Parallel theme: Proverbs 9:9, 18:1, 18:15, 19:25, Acts 5:5

12 The righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice. man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. References God: Genesis 19:29, Psalms 52:5, Amos 4:11, 1 Corinthians 10:5. Evil: Proverbs 14:11. Righteousness: Proverbs 13:6, 14:32. Parallel theme: Job 5:3, 8:15, Psalms 107:43 +5

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:28, 28:27, Matthew 6:14, 7:2

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrathWrath: אַף (Aph). The Hebrew aph (אַף) literally means 'nose' or 'nostrils,' idiomatically expressing wrath or anger—God's righteous indignation against sin. Yet God is 'slow to anger' (Exodus 34:6) and 'abundant in mercy.'. Parallel theme: Proverbs 18:16, 19:6

15 It is joy to the just to do judgmentJudgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat). The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment or justice—God's righteous decisions and ordinances. God is the Judge of all the earth who 'shall do right' (Genesis 18:25), executing perfect justice.: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. Sin: Proverbs 10:29, Matthew 7:23. Righteousness: Isaiah 64:5. Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 3:12

16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. Parallel theme: Psalms 49:14, 125:5, Hebrews 10:38

17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. Love: 2 Timothy 3:4. Parallel theme: Proverbs 21:20, 23:21, 1 Timothy 5:6

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice., and the transgressor for the upright. Righteousness: Proverbs 11:8, 1 Peter 3:18

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Parallel theme: Proverbs 21:9

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:22, 15:6, Job 20:15, 20:18, Psalms 23:5, 112:3, Ecclesiastes 5:19, 7:11, 10:19, Jeremiah 41:8 +5

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercyMercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim). The Hebrew rachamim (רַחֲמִים) derives from 'womb' (rechem), suggesting tender, maternal compassion. God's mercies are 'new every morning' (Lamentations 3:23), showing His compassionate nature. findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Righteousness: Proverbs 15:9, Isaiah 51:1, Matthew 5:6, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:22. Parallel theme: Proverbs 22:4, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:7 +5

22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. Parallel theme: Proverbs 24:5, Ecclesiastes 7:19

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:19, 12:13, 13:3, 18:21, James 1:26

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. Judgment: Proverbs 19:29. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:22, Psalms 1:1

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:24, 12:27, 13:4, 15:19, 19:24, 20:4, 26:16, Matthew 25:26 +3

26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice. giveth and spareth not. Righteousness: Psalms 112:9. Parallel theme: Psalms 37:26, Ephesians 4:28

27 The sacrificeSacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach). The Hebrew zevach (זֶבַח) denotes a sacrifice or offering—an animal slaughtered for worship. Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, 'the Lamb of God' (John 1:29). of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? Sacrifice: Proverbs 15:8, Isaiah 66:3, Jeremiah 6:20. Parallel theme: Proverbs 28:9, Matthew 23:13

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. Witness: Proverbs 19:5, 19:9. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:13

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. Evil: Proverbs 11:5. Parallel theme: Proverbs 28:14, Psalms 119:5, 119:59, Jeremiah 5:3, Ezekiel 18:28, Haggai 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:11 +3

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty.. References Lord: Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 14:27, Jeremiah 9:23. Parallel theme: Acts 5:39

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. References Lord: Psalms 3:3, 3:8, 20:7, 68:20, Isaiah 31:1, Jeremiah 3:23. Parallel theme: Psalms 144:10, 147:10, Ecclesiastes 9:11 +4