Proverbs 21
BSB1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. 2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the guides of the wicked—are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. 6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit. 7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just. 8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. 10 The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. 14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. 15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. 18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright. 19 Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. 20 Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. 21 He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. 23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. 25 The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. 26 All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent! 28 A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure. 30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. 31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Proverbs 21
- Themes from Proverbs 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Proverbs 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 21 begins by emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His ways, as seen in Proverbs 21:1, which states, 'The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.' The chapter then offers practical advice on various aspects of life, including the importance of integrity and honesty (Proverbs 21:3), the dangers of wealth and greed (Proverbs 21:5-6), and the value of hard work and diligence (Proverbs 21:5). The chapter also warns against the dangers of evil and wickedness, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sinful behaviors and associations (Proverbs 21:10, 21:16). Ultimately, the chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Proverbs 21:31, which states, 'The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.'
Context for the Chapter
Proverbs 21 is part of the larger book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wisdom sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon. The chapter is situated in the latter part of the book, where the focus is on the practical application of wisdom in everyday life. The chapter's themes and teachings are consistent with the overall message of the book, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His ways in all aspects of life. The chapter also has connections to other biblical books, such as the book of Psalms and the book of Isaiah, which emphasize the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to apply the principles of Proverbs 21 in our own lives, seeking God's guidance and following His ways in all aspects of life. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, we can find comfort, hope, and confidence in our walk with God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. We are also encouraged to work hard and be diligent, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in our walk with God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Proverbs 21 teaches us that God is in control of everything and that we should trust Him and follow His ways. We should be honest and hardworking, and avoid sin and evil. By doing so, we can find success and fulfillment in our lives. As seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Proverbs 21:31, God's sovereignty and guidance are essential for living a godly life.
Voices from the Church
“The sovereignty of God is a great comfort to the believer, for it reminds us that our lives are not controlled by chance or fate, but by the wise and loving hand of our Heavenly Father.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The wisdom of God is not merely a matter of intellectual knowledge, but a practical wisdom that guides us in all aspects of life, enabling us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Sovereignty of God (Proverbs 21:1-4) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His ways, highlighting the sovereignty of God in human affairs.
- The Importance of Integrity (Proverbs 21:3-8) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of honesty, morality, and uprightness in all relationships and interactions.
- The Dangers of Wealth and Greed (Proverbs 21:5-10) — The chapter warns against the dangers of wealth and greed, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sinful behaviors and associations that can lead to spiritual ruin.
- The Value of Hard Work and Diligence (Proverbs 21:5, 21:25) — The chapter encourages believers to work hard and be diligent, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in their walk with God.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God's People (Proverbs 21:31) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the ultimate triumph of God's people over sin and evil, through the power and provision of the Lord.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Proverbs 21 emphasizes the sovereignty of God in human affairs, highlighting the importance of seeking His guidance and following His ways.
- The Importance of Integrity
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of honesty, morality, and uprightness in all relationships and interactions, recognizing that these qualities are essential for living a godly life.
- The Dangers of Sin and Evil
- The chapter warns against the dangers of sin and evil, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sinful behaviors and associations that can lead to spiritual ruin.
- The Value of Hard Work and Diligence
- The chapter encourages believers to work hard and be diligent, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in their walk with God.
Lessons from Proverbs 21
- The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance — The chapter teaches us that seeking God's guidance and following His ways is essential for living a godly life.
- The Value of Integrity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of honesty, morality, and uprightness in all relationships and interactions.
- The Dangers of Sin and Evil — The chapter warns against the dangers of sin and evil, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sinful behaviors and associations that can lead to spiritual ruin.
- The Importance of Hard Work and Diligence — The chapter encourages believers to work hard and be diligent, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in their walk with God.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God's People — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the ultimate triumph of God's people over sin and evil, through the power and provision of the Lord.
Themes from Proverbs 21
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God in human affairs, highlighting the importance of seeking His guidance and following His ways.
- The Importance of Integrity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of honesty, morality, and uprightness in all relationships and interactions.
- The Dangers of Sin and Evil — The chapter warns against the dangers of sin and evil, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sinful behaviors and associations that can lead to spiritual ruin.
- The Value of Hard Work and Diligence — The chapter encourages believers to work hard and be diligent, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in their walk with God.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God's People — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the ultimate triumph of God's people over sin and evil, through the power and provision of the Lord.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can seek God's guidance and follow His ways in your own life?
- How can you prioritize honesty, morality, and uprightness in your relationships and interactions?
- What are some dangers of wealth and greed that you need to be aware of in your own life?
- How can you cultivate a strong work ethic and be diligent in your efforts, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in your walk with God?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Sovereignty of God (Proverbs 21:1-4)
| 21:1 | The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. |
| 21:2 | All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. |
2. The Importance of Integrity (Proverbs 21:3-8)
| 21:3 | To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. |
| 21:4 | Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. |
3. The Dangers of Wealth and Greed (Proverbs 21:5-10)
| 21:5 | The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. |
| 21:6 | Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. |
4. The Value of Hard Work and Diligence (Proverbs 21:5, 21:25)
| 21:5 | The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. |
| 21:25 | The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. |
5. The Ultimate Triumph of God's People (Proverbs 21:31)
| 21:31 | The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Proverbs 21?
The main theme of Proverbs 21 is the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His ways in all aspects of life, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Proverbs 21:31.
How can I apply the principles of Proverbs 21 in my own life?
You can apply the principles of Proverbs 21 by seeking God's guidance and following His ways, prioritizing honesty and morality, avoiding sin and evil, and cultivating a strong work ethic, as seen in Proverbs 21:3-8 and Proverbs 21:5.
What are some dangers of wealth and greed that I need to be aware of?
Some dangers of wealth and greed include the pursuit of fleeting riches, the neglect of spiritual pursuits, and the corruption of one's heart and character, as seen in Proverbs 21:5-10.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:1 → Psalm 37:23 | The sovereignty of God is a theme that is also emphasized in Psalm 37:23, which states that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:3 → Micah 6:8 | The importance of doing justice and loving kindness is also emphasized in Micah 6:8, which states that these are the things that the Lord requires of us. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:5 → Proverbs 10:4 | The value of hard work and diligence is also emphasized in Proverbs 10:4, which states that the hand of the diligent makes rich. |
| 4 | Proverbs 21:10 → Romans 6:23 | The wages of sin is death, as stated in Romans 6:23, which emphasizes the importance of avoiding sin and evil. |
| 5 | Proverbs 21:16 → Psalm 1:1 | The danger of sin and evil is also emphasized in Proverbs 21:16, which states that the man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the dead. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:25 → 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | The importance of hard work and diligence is also emphasized in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which states that if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. |
| 7 | Proverbs 21:31 → 1 Corinthians 15:57 | The ultimate triumph of God's people is also emphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:57, which states that thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:1 → Isaiah 46:10 | The sovereignty of God is a theme that is also emphasized in Isaiah 46:10, which states that God's counsel shall stand, and He will accomplish all His pleasure. |
| 9 | Proverbs 21:3 → Matthew 23:23 | The importance of doing justice and loving kindness is also emphasized in Matthew 23:23, which states that these are the things that are more important than tithing. |
| 10 | Proverbs 21:5 → Colossians 3:23 | The value of hard work and diligence is also emphasized in Colossians 3:23, which states that whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. |
Sermons on Proverbs 21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |
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Love Who You See by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with justice and equality. They share a personal experience of witnessing the vast differen |
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The Foremost Proof of Holiness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of li |
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Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na |
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Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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A Warning to Would-Be Teachers by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability for those who teach the word of God. He explains that teachers will not only be judged for the content of th |
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The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari |
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The Congregation of the Dead by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going wherever God sends us to declare His goodness. He describes Shiloh as the place where the heart of God begins to wor |
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(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs 21
Matthew Henry's commentary on Proverbs 21 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His ways in all aspects of life. Henry notes that the chapter teaches us that God's sovereignty is not limited to the affairs of kings and nations, but extends to the smallest details of our lives. He also emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and morality, and warns against the dangers of sin and evil. Ultimately, Henry encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to cultivate a strong work ethic and a diligent spirit, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in their walk with God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
Throughout the chapter, the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His ways is emphasized, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His wisdom in all aspects of life.
The Dangers of Wealth and Greed
The chapter warns against the dangers of wealth and greed, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sinful behaviors and associations that can lead to spiritual ruin.
The Value of Hard Work and Diligence
The chapter encourages believers to work hard and be diligent, recognizing that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in their walk with God.