Proverbs 21:4
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Original Language Analysis
עֵ֭ינַיִם
look
H5869
עֵ֭ינַיִם
look
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּרְחַב
and a proud
H7342
וּרְחַב
and a proud
Strong's:
H7342
Word #:
3 of 7
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
לֵ֑ב
heart
H3820
לֵ֑ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
נִ֖ר
and the plowing
H5215
נִ֖ר
and the plowing
Strong's:
H5215
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, plowing, i.e., (concretely) freshly plowed land
Cross References
1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Proverbs 6:17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,Isaiah 2:17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Historical Context
In honor-shame cultures, visible pride (haughty eyes, arrogant posture) signaled covenant unfaithfulness. Israel was called to humble dependence on Yahweh, making pride a fundamental violation of their relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life do you exhibit 'high looks' and a 'proud heart'?
- How does pride infect even seemingly good works, making them sinful?
- What does biblical humility look like in contrast to the wicked's pride?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked's 'high look' (Hebrew 'rum ayin'—haughty eyes) and 'proud heart' are their 'plowing'—the Hebrew 'niyr' can mean lamp or plowing/tillage. If the latter, their labor produces only sin. Pride characterizes the wicked's fundamental orientation. Proverbs repeatedly condemns pride (6:17, 16:18). Reformed theology sees pride as the original sin—Satan's 'I will be like the Most High' (Isaiah 14:14) and Adam's grasping for autonomous knowledge. Pride rejects God's authority and exalts self. All the wicked's works flow from this prideful heart and are therefore sinful.