Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 21

Verse 1

Pro 21:1

Proverbs 21:1

"The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will."

Here again we have a statement concerning monarchs, the truth of which depends, absolutely, upon the character of the monarch. It is impossible to believe, for example, that God turned the heart of Solomon in the direction of building pagan temples for many of his scandalous collection of wives and concubines. Yet, it is also true that the power of God is sufficient to cause any king to follow strictly the will and purpose of God.

Proverbs 21:1. “Clarke”: “There is an allusion here to the eastern method of watering their lands. Several canals are dug from one stream; and by opening a particular sluice, the husbandman can direct a stream to whatever part he pleases.” We should not conclude from this that everything any king does is of the Lord (this would make God responsible for the many evils of government); yet when God gets ready to affect a king’s heart, He is able to do so (Ezra 1:1; Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:27; Nehemiah 1:11; Nehemiah 2:4-8).”

Verse 2

Pro 21:2

Proverbs 21:2

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts."

See my comment on Proverbs 16:2 with which this couplet is almost identical.

Proverbs 21:2. This is very similar to Proverbs 16:2. Most people are too quick to claim credit (and are offended if they are not given it) and too slow to accept guilt. That God accurately weighs each person (beginning with the heart) See Proverbs 24:12; Luke 16:15; Daniel 5:27.

Verse 3

Pro 21:3

Proverbs 21:3

"To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice." Both the Old Testament and the New Testament stress the truth stated here. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). "Ye tithe mint, anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy and truth" (Matthew 23:23).

Proverbs 21:3. There are all kinds of people in the world: some who are both righteous and religious (the godly); some who seek to be righteous but are not religious (the moralist); some who are not careful about righteousness but do try to be religious (the hypocrite); and some who are neither righteous nor religious (the out-and-out wicked). This verse is dealing with the third-listed group above (the hypocrite). We all fall short of the perfection of God (Romans 3:23), but with our religion we are to be as righteous and as just as we can be, and if we aren’t, God is highly displeased with us (Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 1:15; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:7-8) Proverbs 15:8).

Verse 4

Pro 21:4

Proverbs 21:4

"A high look, and a proud heart, Even the lamp of the wicked, is sin."

"Haughty eyes, and an ambitious mind - the tillage of the wicked is sin.” "Haughty looks and a proud heart - these sins mark a wicked man.” "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.” "Because of their pride and arrogance, the vow of evil men is a sin.” It is evident that the translators do not know exactly what this passage says. One thing is clear, God hates pride and arrogance. The uncertainty derives from the word translated `vow’ in the Anchor Bible. "It means either `newly plowed land’ or `a lamp.’<sup>”</sup> `Vow’ seems to be a guess.

Proverbs 21:4. This verse deals with pride and the prosperity of the proud. A “high look” is one of the outward expressions of a “proud heart”. Over and over does God speak His displeasure with man’s exalted opinion of himself (Proverbs 6:16-17; Daniel 4:29-37). “Pulpit Commentary”: “Lamp is...a metaphor for prosperity and happiness (2 Samuel 22:29; 1 Kings 11:36); and it is here said that the sinner’s outward prosperity and joyousness, springing from no good source, being founded in self, and not resting in virtue and godliness, are in themselves sinful and displeasing to God.”

Verse 5

Pro 21:5

Proverbs 21:5

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want."

There is a diligent pursuit of that which one may consider his personal interests that is counter-productive. One may become so busy and so diligent in a selfish direction that he overlooks spiritual matters of far greater importance; and, it is that which seems to be referred to here. This seems to be the meaning: "The plans of the keen man show a profit, but all who are too hasty show a loss.”

Proverbs 21:5. This verse speaks of the “thoughts” of the diligent, Proverbs 10:4 of the “hand” of the diligent, and Proverbs 13:4 of the “soul” of the diligent, and all three verses testify to their mutual prosperity. “Diligent” (as it stands in contrast with “hasty”) evidently means the honest, hard-working, patient person who steadily builds up his holdings; “hasty” evidently applies to the person who is a get-rich-quick-any-way type of person condemned by 1 Timothy 6:9-10. Even small communities have known examples of those who were out for the “fast-buck” who ended up in poverty and want, and cities contain many such examples.

Verse 6

Pro 21:6

Proverbs 21:6

"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death."

"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.” We appreciate this: "A man making money by fraud chases a bubble to his own doom.”

Proverbs 21:6. Connect this verse with Proverbs 21:5. Getting treasures by “lying” would be parallel to “treasures of wickedness” in Proverbs 10:2 and “wealth gotten by vanity” in Proverbs 13:11. In all three verses the result is similar: “vapor driven to and fro” (this verse), “profit nothing” (Proverbs 10:2), and “shall be diminished” (Proverbs 13:11). Such people come to “seek death” (this verse), and the suicide-rate is exceedingly high among the world’s wealthy.

Verse 7

Pro 21:7

Proverbs 21:7

"The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice."

We may read this as an imperative for every intelligent society, after the manner of Genesis 9:6, where is recorded the Divine order for society to execute murderers. This verse states what ought to be, not that which actually is. It must be pointed out that a society which rejects this Divine injunction is writing its own death-warrant.

Proverbs 21:7. Even this verse may be related to Proverbs 21:5-6. The “violent” are those who injure others; such refuse to think of “justice”. “They that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Is this not the story of conquerors who later find their own type of violence sweeping them helpless away?

Verse 8

Pro 21:8

Proverbs 21:8

"The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked. But as for the pure, his work is right."

The word `straight’ is given as an alternative reading in the American Standard Version margin for the word `right.’ It would, of course, make a more accurate contrast with the word `crooked’ in the first line.

Proverbs 21:8. “Evil men wax worse and worse” (2 Timothy 3:13). Such was the story of King Ahab, Herod and Herodias, and many others. One fellow was said to be so crooked that when he died, they didn’t dig a grave for him—they just screwed him into the ground! “Laden” shows that guilt is a terrible load. Jesus said to the sinfully weary, “Come unto me, all ye that...are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). The “pure” present a welcome contrast; Much is said in a few words: “his work is right”—it is like it ought to be. And may such increase!

Verse 9

Pro 21:9

Proverbs 21:9

"It is better to live in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house."

The meaning here is clear enough and needs no comment; but this rendition is an interesting variation: "It is better to dwell in an attic on the roof, than in a double bedroom with a nagging wife.” In fairness, it should be stated that the corollary here is applicable also to a nagging husband.

Proverbs 21:9. Their housetops were flat. Gathering his few things together and living in the corner of the flat housetop, inconvenient as it would be, is proverbially said to be preferred to living down in the commodious house with a woman who is cantankerous. Proverbs 25:24 and Proverbs 21:19 of this chapter are similar. The unpleasantness of dwelling with a contentious woman is also mentioned in Proverbs 19:13 and Proverbs 27:15. Some women can be blessed with the very finest of material things and yet be anything but happy; they can be anything but a joy to come home to. In our day of permissive divorce courts such contentions lead to divorces.

Verse 10

Pro 21:10

Proverbs 21:10

"The soul of the wicked desireth evil; His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes."

"This states an important truth about depravity, namely, that men sin not merely from weakness, but eagerly and ruthlessly.” Their desire is to commit wickedness.

Proverbs 21:10. The wicked man does not respect God’s law, for he “desireth evil” instead of good, nor does he respect his fellow-man, for “his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes”. The wicked man is not prompted by a reverence for God, by a respect for God’s law, by holy aspirations. He has his desire set upon evil. “They that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh” (Romans 8:5); “The mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God” (Romans 8:7). “The wicked...sleep not, except they do evil; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall” (Proverbs 4:14-16). The person who has no good word for anyone is not honorable himself; this is why “his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes”.

Verse 11

Pro 21:11

Proverbs 21:11

"When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge."

This is parallel with Proverbs 21:19-25. See the comment there.

Proverbs 21:11. Proverbs 19:25 sets forth similar truths. Even if punishment doesn’t help the scoffer himself (and sometimes it doesn’t), it will help the onlooking-simple who might have gotten into the same thing. God even commanded to smite certain sinners with death that others might be helped: Deuteronomy 13:6-11; Deuteronomy 17:8-13; Deuteronomy 19:16-20; Deuteronomy 21:18-21. When God smote Ananias and Sapphira, “great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things” (Acts 5:11), and you can be sure that nobody else was even tempted to do what they had done! When Paul wrote that stern, corrective letter (I Cor.) to the Corinthian church, which resulted in its withdrawing from the incestuous man (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:4-7), it also did much for the congregation itself (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). The latter part of our verse shows that a wise man is easy to instruct and gains much from it (Proverbs 14:6). Such is a teacher’s joy. But it is hard to instruct those who do not want to listen (Hebrews 5:11).

Verse 12

Pro 21:12

Proverbs 21:12

"The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin."

This proverb states that a wise man, living after God’s commandments, may, by his own personal observation of what happens all around him, be able to see all the proof he needs that wickedness is a tragic disaster to all who adopt it as their life-style. This writer knows many instances in which once-powerful but wicked families have been totally ruined and devastated.

Proverbs 21:12. In keeping with Proverbs 21:11 this verse shows that the righteous person is also a wise person who learns not only from instruction (Proverbs 21:11) but also from observation, not having to go through bitter experiences to learn (like Jonah). He notices what happens to the wicked, and he learns from it because he “considers” it or thinks upon it, Seeing what happens to the wicked is good reason not to choose their way!

Verse 13

Pro 21:13

Proverbs 21:13

"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, and shall not be heard."

Life indeed has a way of repaying a man after the quality of his deeds. It is another way of saying, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). Apparent exceptions may be cited; but the sacred rule stands eternally unchallenged.

Proverbs 21:13. “Pulpit Commentary”: “A two-fold retribution is threatened on the unmerciful man: he himself shall fall into distress, and shall appeal to his neighbors for help in vain.” Oh, how quickly the tables of life can be turned! Those who refuse to help others today may stand in need of help tomorrow, but no help will be forthcoming. People who know how such a one has acted will not be touched to help him, and God will not move others to help him either. And oh, how bitter the cries when they are ours and when no one will listen!

Verse 14

Pro 21:14

Proverbs 21:14

"A girl in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath."

Here is another proverb regarding bribery. The statement here corresponds with the others. "Bribery works"! But this should not be interpreted to mean that God approves of it. The word `pacifieth’ is understood in the second line.

Proverbs 21:14. A triple parallel: “gift” and “present”, “in secret” and “in the bosom”, and “anger” and “strong wrath”. “Pulpit Commentary”: “A gift offered secretly to one incensed, whether personal enemy, judge, or prince, averts the consequences of the offence.” Concerning “in the bosom” “Pulpit Commentary” remarks, “A present kept handy in the bosom of the petitioner’s garment, ready to be transferred at a fitting moment.” Though this is the way it often works, it is not right (1 Samuel 12:3-5) Proverbs 8:3; Amos 5:12).

Verse 15

Pro 21:15

Proverbs 21:15

"It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity."

"When justice triumphs, good men rejoice, but this spells ruin for evil-doers." "When justice is done, it is joy to the righteous, but dismay to evil-doers.”

Proverbs 21:15. Proverbs 10:29 sets forth similar truth. The righteous rejoice over justice (as does God), but not the workers of iniquity, for justice is their destruction. Jesus loved righteousness and hated iniquity (Hebrews 1:9), and the Bible commands us to “abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9). When we do this, we are for truth (facts) and honesty in dealing with cases brought before the court.

Verse 16

Pro 21:16

Proverbs 21:16

"The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead."

The man that wanders out of the way of understanding is the man who rejects his obligation to love and obey the Creator. The assembly of the dead is a reference, first of all, to that cessation of mortality to which all men are appointed; and, secondly, it is that ultimate assembly of that incorrigibly wicked company to which the King shall say, "Depart ... I never knew you." Another rendition: "The man who wanders from the path of wisdom will rest in the assembly of the Shades." "Every word of the second line here is charged with irony. The rebel who insists upon roaming anywhere he will is only hastening to lose his mobility (shall rest), his independence (in the assembly) and his life (of the dead).”

Proverbs 21:16. “Wandereth out” of the way of understanding characterizes one who leaves, departs, goes astray from the established path. “Shall rest” in the assembly of the dead is used ironically: such probably thought or boasted that he would find the good way, but it didn’t end as he had invisioned, for the “rest” to which such departures lead is the rest of death. King Ahab knew better when he allowed Jezebel to acquire Naboth’s vineyard for him as she did (1 Kings 21:1-16), but it did him no good, leading to his death (1 Kings 21:17-22). We should know the right way (Ephesians 5:17), walk the right way (Jeremiah 6:16), and not forsake it (2 Peter 2:20-21). This verse reminds one of Jude’s statement of “wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever” (Judges 1:13). Men, like meteors that break off and go flying through space, soon come to their everlasting end!

Verse 17

Pro 21:17

Proverbs 21:17

"He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich."

"The pleasure-lover strikes out for joy, but finds only poverty; but Proverbs 21:16 has just sounded the warning that more than pleasure is at stake.” The stakes in the game of life on earth are very high indeed: Eternal Life or Eternal Death.

Proverbs 21:17. Another parallelism: “loveth pleasure” and “loveth wine and oil” mean the same as do “shall be a poor man” and “shall not be rich”. To have “a good time” the world’s way has always involved a constant expenditure of money (one cause of becoming poor), and such life also diverts one from his work and business interests (another cause). Oh, the multitude of pleasures for people today to get involved in and sidetracked by!

Verse 18

Pro 21:18

Proverbs 21:18

"The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous cometh instead of the upright."

This is not clear; but the teaching seems to be that in the providence of God his punishments of mankind fall rather upon the wicked than upon the righteous. Delitzsch cited Haman’s execution rather than that of Mordecai as an example of this; and Deane pointed out that what happened in Egypt illustrates the second line. "The destroying angel spared the houses of the Israelites and executed the firstborn of the Egyptians.” The Spanish Version reads: "El hombre falso y malvado Sufrira en lugar Del justo y honrado.” ("The false and evil man will suffer in the place of the just and the honorable")

Proverbs 21:18. “Ransom” in the first clause and “in the stead of” in the second show that something happens to the wicked that might have happened to the righteous or that results in a better state for the righteous. “Clarke”: “God often in his judgments cuts off the wicked in order to prevent them from destroying the righteous. And in general we find that the wicked fall into the traps and pits they have digged for the righteous.” Proverbs 11:8 says, “The righteous is delivered out of trouble; And the wicked cometh in his stead.” As wicked Babylon fell, God’s people were blessed with liberation. By punishing the scorner, others are spared from falling into the same sin and suffering the same fate (Proverbs 21:11-12).

Verse 19

Pro 21:19

Proverbs 21:19

"It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman."

This is parallel to Proverbs 21:9; and again we must say that the same thing is true of a contentious and fretful man. Illustration: This writer served for seventeen years as a member of the City of Houston Housing Board of Appeals. One night a German citizen appeared before the board requesting a license for the installation of a mobile home in the rear of his residence. Mount Termini, our chairman, asked how large was his residence. He said, "Fourteen rooms." When asked how many people lived there, he said, "My wife and me." Mount Termini said, "That does not come under our usual guidelines for issuing such a license." "But I absolutely have to have it," the applicant said. Mount Termini asked, "Why"? The man said, "My wife has got the talking disease and she talks day and night without intermission; and if I don’t get out of that place, I’m going to do something terrible! I want to live in that mobile home"! We granted his request.

Proverbs 21:19. This is very similar to Proverbs 21:9 and Proverbs 25:24. There are some kinds of women who will ruin a man’s life: a “contentious” woman (this verse); a “fretful” woman (this verse); and an “odious” woman (Proverbs 30:23). Since it is “better” to dwell in a “desert” than with such a woman, is not this proverb saying that it is better not to be married than to be married to such a person? Since there is a noticeable percentage of people so married, should it not be some comfort to the unmarried that at least they are in the class that Proverbs says is “better” than that?

Verse 20

Pro 21:20

Proverbs 21:20

"There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up."

This is the common viewpoint of Proverbs that the wise are wealthy and the fool is in poverty. There is a limited sense in which this is true; "But in the spiritual warfare, earthly wisdom avails nothing at all (1 Corinthians 1:5-16,2 Corinthians 10:4).”

Proverbs 21:20. Wisdom knows the earthly value of precious treasure and oil (olive oil, which was so useful in Bible days). Men of God like Job, Abraham, David, and others were blessed with an abundance of these, yet they were apparently not selfish with them (did Abraham appear selfish in offering nephew Lot the choice of the land in Genesis 13:2-12?) but were willing to give to others from their store (Job 31:16-23). The contrast within our verse shows that the “foolish” devours everything he gets his hands on. Is this not the way with many today? They draw big money per hour, blow it all in, and the slightest emergency proves to be a major calamity financially. The Bible says that we are (1) to labor (2) at honest occupations (3) so that we will have something left over above our own needs to give to those who are in need (Ephesians 4:28).

Verse 21

Pro 21:21

Proverbs 21:21

"He that followeth after righteousness and kindness findeth life, righteousness and honor."

What a happy promise indeed is this! If one would enjoy life, righteousness and honor, let him follow the teachings of the Saviour.

Proverbs 21:21. “Young’s Literal”: “Whoso is pursuing righteousness...” This would suggest an earnest following after righteousness and kindness. Proverbs 15:9 and 1 Timothy 6:11 also speak of following righteousness. Matthew 5:6 speaks of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Matthew 6:33 says we should seek the kingdom of God and righteousness before everything else. Both in the seeking the right thing and in the promise of finding the good things of life, righteousness, and honor, this verse is quite similar to Romans 2:6-7.

Verse 22

Pro 21:22

Proverbs 21:22

"A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof."

"This proverb extols the superiority of sagacity, or practical wisdom, over physical strength.” Many a mighty stronghold has been overthrown by a wise and discerning assault. Such was the overthrow of Quebec in which the continent of North America was taken from the French and given to the English (Sept. 13,1759).

Proverbs 21:22. This verse shows that wisdom is really might. Ecclesiastes 9:13-16 tells of a single wise man who without great forces or great equipment was able to discomfit a mighty army. That wisdom is greater than might, consider the superior brute force of some of the ferocious animal world that man, who is inferior in physical strength, is able to subdue and handle through his superior wisdom.

Verse 23

Pro 21:23

Proverbs 21:23

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

"Caution in speech has already been mentioned in Proverbs 21:13 and Proverbs 21:18-21 (See the comments there). The troubles referred to here are probably social and legal difficulties into which imprudent talk would bring one, especially where there were gossips and professional informers.”

Proverbs 21:23. Proverbs 13:3 contains a similar truth. A godly man will keep his heart (Proverbs 4:23), will keep himself in the love of God (Judges 1:21), will keep himself unspotted from the world (James 1:27), and will keep his tongue (this verse). Would you keep yourself from many troubles? Then keep your mouth and your tongue. Most trouble springs from something that one says!

Verse 24

Pro 21:24

Proverbs 21:24

"The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride."

This rendition might not be a translation, but it surely is true: "His names are "Brazen," "Insolent," "Impious," who acts in arrogant fury.” "Show me a conceited person, and I will show you someone who is arrogant, proud and inconsiderate.” Interesting as these renditions are, the following is much nearer the MT: "Scoffer is the name of the proud haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.”

Proverbs 21:24. Notice three words that go together: “proud,” “haughty,” and “arrogance”. This verse speaks of his working; but what does he do? He scoffs! He laughs at religion, makes fun of godly people, etc. Peter predicted that such would show up in the last days (2 Peter 3:3-4).

Verse 25

Pro 21:25

Proverbs 21:25

"The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor."

The sluggard or the slothful are continually condemned in Proverbs; and we have frequently commented on the priority given the work ethic in Holy Scripture. "The sluggard wastes his strength and his life in longing for things for which he has not the energy to work. His grandiose wishes to do great or good things are of no value at all because of his laziness, which only adds to his misery and condemnation.” This is a concise statement of what appears to be the meaning: "The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.”

Proverbs 21:25. Proverbs 13:4 also speaks of the “desire of the sluggard”, saying that he “hath nothing”. This verse explains why: “his hands refuse to labor.” On his desire killing him, “Pulpit Commentary” suggests: “The mere wish, combined with no active exertion to secure its accomplishment, is fatal to soul, body, and fortune.”

Verse 26

Pro 21:26

Proverbs 21:26

"There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not."

"A sinner is always selfish, but a good man gives without stint.” The Christian who remembers the glorious adage of Our Lord that, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," will find unspeakable joy and satisfaction in doing so. All of us should remember that no hearse ever has a U-Haul trailer hitched on behind while on the way to the cemetery!

Proverbs 21:26. This verse reflects two ways to live with reference to material things: (1) how can one get more for himself even at others’ expense? and (2) how can one help others who are in need? The first majors on selfishness, the second on service. Psalms 37:26 and Psalms 112:9 blesses the giver.

Verse 27

Pro 21:27

Proverbs 21:27

"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind."

The thought here is very similar to that of Proverbs 21:3. See the comment there. The Anchor Bible has it this way: "A sacrifice offered by wicked men is an abomination, all the more so if one bring it with a shameful purpose.” Some of the shameful purposes that may prompt the wicked to offer a sacrifice are: (1) to receive approval and praise of men, (2) to deceive others with his hypocrisy, or (3) in the vain delusion that he can "buy God off."

Proverbs 21:27. The first statement is also found in Proverbs 15:8. God does not want people to substitute religious rites for actual righteousness: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Thus, God deplores the sacrifice of people who are not trying to live right (Jeremiah 6:20; Amos 5:22; Isaiah 1:11-15). To bring a sacrifice with a “wicked mind” must be to bring it with some motive to deceive God or to “buy God off” because of some sin being persisted in or because of some illegitimate gain from which he is bringing the sacrifice.

Verse 28

Pro 21:28

Proverbs 21:28

"A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure."

What is contrasted here is the permanence of the true witness as compared with the ephemeral life and testimony of the false witness. "A dishonest witness will perish, but a truthful man will never be forgotten.”

Proverbs 21:28. Very similar to Proverbs 19:5 and Proverbs 19:9, both of which say, “A false witness shall not be unpunished.” “So as to endure” in the second statement stands over against “shall perish” in the first, meaning that the true witness (one who speaks what he knows through his own seeing and hearing) will not be executed for perverting justice through lying such as will befall the false witness.

Verse 29

Pro 21:29

Proverbs 21:29

"A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways."

Delitzsch translated thus: "A godless man showeth boldness in his mien; but one that is upright, he proveth his way.” "For the godless man, his demeanor is the arrogant callousness of guilt; but for the upright it is the manifest integrity of his life." Sometimes the one can be mistaken for the other.

Proverbs 21:29. Another contrast between the wicked and the upright in which the wicked hardens his face instead of repenting and having his ways established like the upright. “Septuagint”: “An ungodly man shamelessly withstands with his face.” This continued wickedness will bring destruction. After showing the prosperity of the righteous, Psalms 1:4-6 says, “The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.”

Verse 30

Pro 21:30

Proverbs 21:30

"There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah."

"Intelligence, skill, strategy - none can avail against the Eternal.”

Both the beginning and the end of this chapter feature two verses stressing the power of God. How foolish are men who vainly suppose that they may set their puny and partial wisdom against the intelligence of God Himself! The tragic story of Zedekiah, the last king to rule in Jerusalem, is a sufficient illustration of this.

Proverbs 21:30. God may allow many things that are wrong to happen (until judgment), but when there is a known showdown between God and the forces of unrighteousness, His opposition always comes out on the short end. Aaron’s rod that miraculously became a snake ate up those of Pharaoh’s magicians (Exodus 7:10-12). When they tried to duplicate the plagues brought upon the land by Moses, they finally had to give up and acknowledge the supremacy of God (Exodus 8:19). Baal lost out to Jehovah on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:26-39). The people of Samaria could see the difference between Simon the sorcerer’s fake miracles and Philip’s genuine ones (Acts 8:6-13). Herod of Acts 12 began laying hands on the apostles, killing James and intending to do the same to Peter (Proverbs 21:1-3). But before the chapter was over, Herod was dead (Proverbs 21:21-23), and the very next verse shows God’s triumph: “But the word of God grew and multiplied” (Proverbs 21:24). As 2 Corinthians 13:8 says, we cannot really do anything against the truth.

Verse 31

Pro 21:31

Proverbs 21:31

"The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah."

"Proverbs 21:30 warns men not to fight against God, and Proverbs 21:31 warns them not to fight without him.” This does not forbid the use of earthly resources; but it condemns reliance upon them. It is God who gives the victory. "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong." (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

"Solomon here taught better than he practiced; because he provided 40,000 horses even though God had expressly forbidden the kings of Israel to multiply horses unto themselves, lest their hearts should be drawn away from the hope of Israel. This proverb verified the evil consequences of Solomon’s change in the management of Israel’s affairs, because Israel never again cut such a figure in war as they had done previously.”

Proverbs 21:31. Horses were used in Bible days for war and not for agricultural purposes. This verse shows that even if horses were used (representing human military might), Israel’s victory really came from Jehovah and not the human arrangements. See the following passages that bear on the subject: Psalms 20:7; Psalms 33:17; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 3:8.

Proverbs of Solomon - Proverbs 21:1-31

Open It

1. When have you learned from another person’s punishment?

2.What is a notable rationalization you’ve heard?

3. What sort of things do you crave?

Explore It

4. What themes run through the proverbs in this chapter? (Proverbs 21:1-31)

5. How are the righteous and the wicked compared in this chapter? (Proverbs 21:1-31)

6. What seems right to people? (Proverbs 21:2)

7. What does the Lord weigh? (Proverbs 21:2)

8. What is better than sacrifice? (Proverbs 21:3)

9. What’s wrong with a fortune made by a lying tongue? (Proverbs 21:6)

10.What did Solomon say about marriage? (Proverbs 21:9; Proverbs 21:19)

11. According to Solomon, how can punishment benefit a person? (Proverbs 21:11)

12. What happens to a person who is insensitive to the poor? (Proverbs 21:13)

13. How does the execution of justice impact the righteous as well as evildoers? (Proverbs 21:15)

14. What’s wrong with loving pleasure and wine? (Proverbs 21:17)

15. What promise is there for the person who pursues righteousness and love? (Proverbs 21:21)

16. How should we manage our words? (Proverbs 21:23)

17. What did Solomon say about cravings? (Proverbs 21:25-26)

18. How can some sacrifices not please God? (Proverbs 21:27)

19. How are our plans affected by God’s will? (Proverbs 21:30-31)

Get It

20, When do people often rationalize sinful behavior?

21. Why are motives sometimes more important than actions?

22. Why is sacrifice secondary to doing what is right and just?

23. In what way are riches fleeting?

24. What is the purpose of punishment?

25. What is the purpose of pleasure?

26. How should we enjoy pleasure?

27. How should we pursue righteousness and love?

28. When is it hard for you to guard what you say?

29. How are lazy people destroyed by their cravings?

30. What are some steps we can take to keep our cravings under control?

Apply It

31. When can you take time this week to reexamine your motives?

32. In what way can you pursue righteousness and love?

33. Concerning what cravings do you want to ask for God’s help?