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Proverbs 21

World English Bible

WEB

1The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won’t be rich. 18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 21 presents a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the sovereignty of God and the importance of righteous living. The chapter begins by asserting that the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord, and He directs it wherever He wishes (Proverbs21:1). This highlights God's ultimate authority over human affairs, reminding us that even those in positions of power are subject to His will. The chapter encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding, as these qualities lead to a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. It contrasts the ways of the righteous with the ways of the wicked, illustrating the outcomes of each path (Proverbs21:2-3).

The text further explores themes of justice and integrity, emphasizing that God values a humble and contrite heart over mere sacrifices (Proverbs21:27). It warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance, which can lead to destruction (Proverbs21:4). The chapter concludes with a reminder that while human plans may seem wise, it is ultimately the Lord's purpose that prevails (Proverbs21:30-31). This serves as a powerful reminder for believers to trust in God's guidance and to live according to His principles, knowing that true success comes from aligning our lives with His will.

In summary, Proverbs 21 calls us to reflect on our actions and motivations, urging us to pursue righteousness, humility, and a heart that seeks after God, for these are the keys to a life that honors Him and brings about His blessings. #Wisdom #Righteousness #GodsSovereignty

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Referenced by

  1. Judges 17:6v2Judges 17:6 states that 'everyone did what was right in his own eyes,' highlighting the moral relativism of the time. Proverbs 21:2 echoes this sentiment by stating that every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart, emphasizing the need for divine guidance.
  2. Ezra 6:22v1Ezra 6:22 notes that the Lord turned the heart of the king of Assyria to aid the Jews, which aligns with Proverbs 21:1, illustrating God's sovereignty over the hearts of rulers.
  3. Esther 2:17v1Esther 2:17 shows King Ahasuerus favoring Esther, which aligns with Proverbs 21:1, illustrating how God can direct the hearts of kings according to His will.
  4. Esther 5:2v1Esther 5:2 describes how the king's heart was favorable towards Esther, which aligns with Proverbs 21:1, indicating that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, who directs it as He wills.
  5. Esther 9:1v1Esther 9:1 describes the reversal of the Jews' fate, where their enemies hoped to overpower them, but the opposite occurred. Proverbs 21:1 speaks of the Lord's sovereignty over the hearts of rulers, illustrating how God can turn situations around according to His will.
  6. Job 29:12v13Job 29:12 highlights Job's righteousness in helping the poor and the fatherless, which aligns with the wisdom in Proverbs 21:13 about the importance of hearing the cry of the poor.
  7. Psalms 20:7v31Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the LORD, similar to Proverbs 21:31 which states that safety is of the LORD despite the preparation of the horse for battle.
  8. Proverbs 13:4v25Both verses address the consequences of laziness, contrasting the desires of the sluggard with the diligence that leads to fulfillment.
  9. Daniel 4:25v1Daniel 4:25 describes how God humbles King Nebuchadnezzar to show that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men, similar to Proverbs 21:1, which states that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord.

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