Proverbs 21

The Kings heart in Gods hand, verse 1. Self-conceit, and the weighing of the hearts, 2. Justice, and sacrifice, 3.27. Pride, and practice of the wicked, 4,24. Diligence, and hasting to be rich, 5. Unrighteous riches, 6: Wicked, 7,10,12,15,18,27,29. Corruption, and purity of man, 8. Brawling women, 9,19. Discipline, 11. Unmercifulness to the poor, 13. Gifts and rewards, 14. Righteous, upright, merciful, 15,18,21,26,29. Wisdom, understanding, and counsel, 16,20,22,30. Pleasure, 17. Tongue, 23. Slothfulness, 25. Covetousness, 26. False witnesses, 28. Irresistibility of Gods counsel, and works, 30. Victory, 31.

1. The Kings hearts in the hand of the LORD, [That is, in his command and power, to direct and guide it according to his wisdom] (as) water-brooks: [that is, as water-brooks are in the hand of gardeners, and husband-men, to let them in and out at their pleasure, and to carry them whithersoever they list for the use and benefit of the land and country] he enclineth it to all that he will.

2. All (Or every) way of a man, is right his (own) eyes: [See the exposition of this verse above chap.16.on verse 2.] but the LORD weighteth the hearts. [or, spirits, as above chap.16.2. In this regard the word hearts signifieth here, as much as the word spirits doth there; to wit, the thoughts, affections, inclinations, motions, and purposes. So Psalms 7:10. and 26.2.]

3. To do justice, and judgement, [See the exposition of this phrase, Gen.18. on verse 19. And 1 Kings 10. On verse 9.] is a more choice (thing) with the LORD, then offering. [Compare 1 Sam.15.22. Psalms 50:8,14. Isa.1,11,16. Hos.6.6.]

4. Haughtiness of eyes, [See above chap.6.on verse 17.] and pride of hearts, [Hebr. Breadth of heart; that is, stoutness, and pride of heart. See Psalms 101:5. and the annot.] (and) the plowing of the wicked, [that is, the practice of the wicked. To wit, whatsoever they secretly plot and invent, and do publicly put in practice; so is the word forging taken, see above chapter 3.on verse 29. Where the Hebrew word may likewise be translated plowing] are sin. [or thus: highness of eyes, and broadness of heart, are the plowing, or, the practice of the wicked, (and) sin. Oth. The lamp of the wicked; that is, their welfare and prosperity, is sin.]

5. The thoughts of the diligent are (or tend) onely [Oth. Truly, or, certainly; so i n the following clause of this verse] to a remainder, [that is, they are so blessed by God, that the diligent labourer, or pains-taker, gets not onely his daily necessaries supplied thereby, but also somewhat over and above for an extraordinary time of need, and for to give and leave unto his children, compare above chapter 10.4. and 13.4.] but of every one, that is hasty, [that is, that with a rash and improvident or unadvised hastiness seeketh to grow rich by all manner of means or ways whatsoever. Compare above chap.20.21.] onely to want.

6. To labour for treasures [Hebr. The work of treasures; that is, the labour that is done, or the pains that is taken to get store of wealth] with a false tongue [Heb. Tongue of falsehood; that is, tongue that useth falsehood and deceit. Understand under this notion of false tongue, all manner of injustice or wrong-dealing. Compare ab.ch.6.17. and the annot.] is a vanity driven forward [meaning a vanity, which is of no value, exceeding empty, and unprofitable, being to be compared with chaff, and dust, that by reason of its lightness is blown and tossed to and fro by a strong or mighty wind. Compare above chap.10.2,4. And 13.11.] of them that seek death. [that is, of those that rush into danger both of temporal and eternal punishment.]

7. The wasting of the wicked [To wit, whereby they waste and devour their neighbour, or as some, whereby they themselves shall be wasted] shall cut them whereby they themselves shall be wasted] shall cut them asunder; [or, shall saw them asunder, cast them down; as when a tree is sawn down; that is, shall be an occasion, that by Gods just judgement they be utterly destroyed. It seemeth that here respect is had to that kind of punishment, whereby malefactors were by the Magistrate cut asunder with the saw, or sawen in pieces, See 2 Sam.12. on verse 31. Oth. Shall tarry, or, abide with them; to wit, until they also shall be wasted, or, destroyed. Oth. The robbery of the wicked shall affrighted them] because they refuse to do judgement. [that is, to give every one his due.]

8. The way of man is exceeding perverse, [To wit, by the corruption of his nature] and strange: [to wit, from God, or from true purity and holiness] but the work of the pure, [that is, of him that is cleansed and purified by the spirit of sanctification] is right.

9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top [For the tops of the houses in the land of Canaan were flat, wherein it was not convenient to dwell, because they lay open both to wind and rain: and especially in the corners of those house-tops, where the rain-water did gather, and run down. Compare Deut.22.on verse 8.] then with a brawling wife, and that (in) an house of company. [that is, in a wide, or large house, wherein a man may easily dwell with a great company, without being straitened for want of room, as in a corner. An house of company may also be understood of an house, wherein man and wife live together, being comprehended under one family or house-keeping. Compare below verse 19.]

10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: and [Meaning the evil of guilt; that is, sin] his neighbour [or, companion, or, friend] getteth no favour in his eyes. [the meaning is, that a wicked man is wholly bent to do every one mischief; or, that the he spareth not even his own friend. See of the Hebrew word above chapter 14.on verse 20.]

11. When the scorner is punished, [To wit, not onely reproved or rebuked with words, but also by charging a fine, or an amercement upon him, as the here used importeth, or also with blows, as the Text holdeth forth, above chapter 19.25.] the simple is made wise: [compare above chapter 19.25.] and when the wise is instructed, [to wit, with words, see above ch.19.on verse 25. Oth. When he; to wit, the simple, understandingly heedeth the wise] he receiveth knowledge. [that is, he addeth unto his former knowledge yet other also, forasmuch as he entertaineth, and followeth the doctrine that is good. Compare above ch.1.5.]

12. The righteous heedeth understandingly the house of the wicked; [to wit, so as to profit by the observation of Gods judgements that come upon it] when (God) poureth thew wicked into evil. [to wit, into the evil of punishment. Oth. Overthroweth the wicked for evil, to wit, for the evil of sin; that is, consumed and destroyeth them for the sins, which they daily commit. Otherwise this verse might be thus rendered, or translated: he, to wit, God, instructeth the righteous by the hand of the wicked, who poureth the wicked into evil. Or thus: which (to wit, house) poureth the wicked into evil.]

13. He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor; [To wit, whereby he cryeth for help and relief in his poverty] he shall also cry, [to wit, unto God, or unto men, when he is in any strait, or distress] and not be heard.

14. A gift in secret [To wit, given to the Judge, or to one that is exceedingly provoked to anger] restraineth anger: [that is, removeth it, crusheth it down, or quencheth it] and a reward in the bosome, [see above ch.17.on verse 23.] strong wrath. [compare above ch.17.8. and 18.16.]

15. It is joy to the righteous, to do right: [To wit, either in his private life, or in a peculiar office, wherein he is placed, to administer right and justice unto others] but it is terror [or, amazement, or, trouble; to wit, either when he must do justice himself, or when it is done by others] for the workers of iniquity. [whether they work iniquity as private men, or as public persons.]

16. A man that wandereth out of the way of understanding, shall rest [That is, continually remain] in the congregation of the dead. [meaning such as are not onely dead in body, but also in soul. See of the Hebrew word above ch.2.on verse 18.]

17. He that loveth gladness, [To wit, unlawful, wicked, and immoderate joy, or gladness] he shall suffer want: [Hebr. Shall be a man of want: or, of need] he that a voluptuous, and intemperate life. Heretofore at merry feast they used many oils and ointments, wherewith they anointed their members, and especially the head, for the preservation of health, and reviving of the spirit. See Ruth 3.on verse 3. Psalms 23:5. below ch.27.9. Cant.1.3. Amos 6:6. Mat.26.7. Besides this, oil had yet other uses in the land of Juda. See Judg.9.on verse 9. And below verse 20. But here is spoken of the abuse of oil, and wine, all other things (that are given for the comfort and chearing of man) being comprehended under these two.]

18. The wicked is a ransom [By ransom if meant the price, or sum of money, that is paid to redeem a man out of misery, or suffering] for the righteous; and the faithless, for the upright. [the meaning is, that in many common calamities godly persons get out of dangers, that are wont to threaten them most, and wicked men by the wise and just Providence of God come in their stead, as if so be they were their ransom, or redemption-money. See above ch.11.on verse 8.]

19. It is better to dwell in a waste land; [Hebrew in a land of wilderness] then with a very brawling, and angry wife. [Hebr. A wife of brawlings, and of anger. Compare above verse 9. And ch.19.13. and below ch.25.24.]

20. In the dwelling of the wise is a desired treasure; [Serving to the preservation, and cheering of man; under which was also oil comprehended, mentioned in the following words, See above the annotations on verse 17.] and oil: but a foolish man devoureth such things.

21. He that pursueth after righteousness, [To wit, whereby a man giveth to every one that which is his due, according to the civil law, or the law of nations] and mercy, [to wit, whereby we do good unto a man out of love, and liberality, as the law of God, and the Law of nature requireth, see above chap.3.on verse 27.] shall find life, righteousness, [that is, God will cause that justice and equity be likewise done unto him by men] and honour.

22. The wise scaleth the city of the mighty; [To wit, in time of war] and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. [that is, the castles, and strong holds, whereon the city relied. The meaning is, that wisdom is to be more esteemed, and regarded, then strength, Eccles.9.16. as experience teacheth, that oftentimes there is more good done by the wise managing or direction of one Commander, then by the great multitude of souldiers in the Army.]

23. He that keepeth his mouth, and his tongue. [That is, he that taketh heed that he provoked not God, nor incense his neighbour against himself, by evil, vain, and contentious words] keepeth his soul from distresses. [compare above ch.18.21.]

24. He that is a proud boaster, his name is scorner, [That is, as he indeed and in truth a scorner, so may he likewise be justly so called; because he casteth aside all good admonitions, and falleth proudly upon his neighbour with contempts and disdainings of him. See an example in Haman, Esth.3.5,6.] he dealeth in proud wrath. [that is, he doth all things with a losty and soaring spirit, following not the guide or dictates of reason, but his own loose passions and disordered affections. Or, he that is proud, (and) haughty, or, presumptuous, whose name is scorner, dealeth in proud wrath.

25. The desire of the slothful [To wit, whereby he desireth to have his want or need supplied, without endeavouring to attain unto it by honest labour] shall kill him; [that is, it shall not onely bring him to great poverty, but also to his utter ruine] for his hands refuse to work.

26. He covereth all the day long desirable things: [Hebr. The desire. Oth. He coveteth the covetous; that is, the man that is very covetous, or desirous; to wit, to get wealth. See Job 34.on verse 13.] but the righteous shall give, [to wit, unto the poor and needy, and that according to his ability, of that which God hath given him] and not refrain. [compare Psalms 37:26.]

27. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: [Compare above ch.15.8. Isa.1.13. Jer.6.20. Amos 5:21.] how much more when they bring it with a wicked intent? [to wit, expressly intending to effect or accomplish some wicked act thereby, and as it were calling upon God to be an help to advance and set forward their villainy. See an example hereof in Bileam, Numb.23.1.]

28. A lying witness [Hebr. A witness of lies] shall perish: [Compare above chapter 19.5,9.] and a man that hearkeneth, [to wit, unto the law of God, and especially to the commandment of bearing no false witness; or, he that giveth diligent attention, and witnesseth nothing else, but what he hath heard, or seen] shall speak thing else, but what he hath heard, or seen] shall speak unto victory. [Oth. Always: to wit, whether he be summoned in judgement, to give in evidence, or else to relate a thing that he knoweth, according to truth, when it is needful, and profitable to edification.]

29. A wicked man strengtheneth himself in his face; [Or, staffeneth himself: that is, hardeneth his face. The meaning is, that he with great obstinacy, and impudency followeth his own mind, without giving heed to that which is just and right, and is enjoined him] but the upright, he maketh his way sure. [to wit, because he ordereth and directeth all actions and affairs according to the Word of God.]

30. There is no wisdom; neither is there any understanding: neither is there any counsel against the LORD. [That is, that is to be compared with the wisdom, or understanding, or counsel of God; or which is able to withstand or resist it.]

31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle; [Understand under this word horse, all outward means, that are wont to be used and employed in war, or in battle] but the victory [see 2 Sam.8.on verse 6.] is the LORDS. [That is, cometh from the Lord. Compare Psalms 33:16,17.]