Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:1

1. THE king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whitherioever he will. The hearts of all men, even the greatest; all their purposes and designs, whether unstable, or impetuous as water, are under divine direction; and by his powerful though unperceived operation upon their minds, they are made subservient to the purposes of his glory, as by canals the river takes that direction which we please to give it. 2. Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. c. Chap. xvi. 2.

Proverbs 21:2

Partial to ourselves, we are ever apt to flatter ourselves we are right. The self-righteous, the lover of pleasure, the worldling, all concur in this self-deceit; but God’s decisions are made from intimate knowledge of the heart, and widely differ from our fond and false conceits: and what men highly esteem and value themselves upon, is in his eyes often an abomination.

3. To do justice and judgment, is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3

The most pompous devotions, the most expensive benefactions, or the most liberal alms, commend us not to God, when let in the place of moral duties. Justice and judgment, uprightness, and integrity of heart before God and man, are more acceptable than any sacrifice; nay, without these the other is an abomination.

c Chap. vi. 17. Heb. Houghtness of eyes. Or, the light.

4. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin.

Proverbs 21:4

Haughty looks shew a proud heart; and where such a spirit reigns, all is naught. The most innocent, nay, the most commendable actions, are tainted by the evil temper from whence they flow: so that even the ploughing of the wicked is sin: he means only himself in all his labours, and leaves God far above out of his sight.

d Chap. x. 4. & xii. 4.

5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness: but of every one that is hasty, only to want.

Proverbs 21:5

Prudent contrivance and diligent industry are the sure road to plenty and affluence: but rash schemes, hasty resolutions, and precipitate measures, involve men in trouble and loss, and leave them in poverty to lament their folly.

e Chap. x. 5. & xiii. 4.

6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue, is a vanity toffed to and fro of them that seek death.

Proverbs 21:6

The getting treasures by a lying tongue, by false pretenses, deceit in trade, or fraudulent contracts, is a vanity toffed to and fro of them that seek death. Light as vanity, and easily dispersed as flubble, are such treasures; and death eternal is found at last to be the end of their destructive ways.

Heb. few them alude.

7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

Proverbs 21:7

All injustice will by and by prove the sinner’s destruction; or from them, pierce their conscience with penitential anguish, or sink them into hell, where they will have no rest, might not day; because they refuse to do judgment, which is the world of robbery; for against an avowed thief you may be on your guard; but from a lying tongue, and falsehood in dealings, there is no defence.

8. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

Proverbs 21:8

By nature every man’s way is froward, strange, and contrary to God’s will, till divine grace renews the heart, and putifying the conscience through the blood of sprinkling, and the powerful operations of the Spirit, makes the soul pure within, and the way directed to please God.

Ver. 19.

Proverbs 21:11

1. Or, and such grace in his lips.

2. He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips, the king shall be his friend.

When the heart is purified by the spirit of holiness, grace will be in the lips; and such a man a wise king will prefer for his friend, the sweetness of whose conversation, and the frankness and honesty of his heart, render him truly amiable; and withal he shall fare better still, and find a warmer affection and friendship shewn him by the King of kings.

Or, notter.

12. The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

Proverbs 21:12

By the providential care of God, his word, the great means of wisdom, is preserved pure and uncorrupt, and a gospel ministry in succession maintained to spread the knowledge of it. His people are kept also by him increasing in spiritual understanding, amidst the darkness and errors around them; and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor, who would corrupt or handle his word deceitfully to the perversion of men’s souls, and thereby brings on himself swift destruction.