Proverbs 21
Proverbs 21 focuses on contrasting wisdom with foolishness, showing the consequences of pride, wickedness, and disobedience, while emphasizing justice, righteousness, and the sovereignty of God. The chapter emphasizes that God weighs the heart and that wise, righteous living leads to life, while wickedness brings destruction.
Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV)
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
God is sovereign over rulers and their decisions, directing them as easily as He directs the flow of rivers. Human power is subject to divine guidance, reminding us that no authority exists apart from God’s control. Though kings may appear to have great influence, they ultimately fulfill God's purposes.
Proverbs 21:2 (NKJV)
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
Humans tend to justify their actions and consider themselves righteous, but only God sees the true motives of the heart. What seems right to us may be self-deceptive, but God evaluates our inner intentions and weighs them justly, calling for humility and self-examination.
Proverbs 21:3 (NKJV)
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
God values righteous and just living over outward religious rituals. True devotion is not merely about making sacrifices but about living according to His moral standards. Acting with integrity in daily life is what pleases God most, surpassing ritualistic offerings.
Proverbs 21:4 (NKJV)
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.
Pride is condemned here, whether it is expressed through arrogance or through selfish ambition. Even the works and efforts of the wicked, represented by plowing, are sinful because they are motivated by wrong intentions. This highlights the importance of humility and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV)
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Diligent, well-thought-out planning results in abundance and success, while hasty, reckless actions lead to failure and poverty. This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and careful preparation over impulsive behavior, which brings ruin.
Proverbs 21:6 (NKJV)
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
Acquiring wealth through deceit is ultimately self-destructive. Such gain is temporary and only leads to disaster. This proverb warns against dishonesty, as it may seem profitable for a time, but it is a path to destruction, both morally and materially.
Proverbs 21:7 (NKJV)
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.
Those who live by violence and injustice will be destroyed by their own actions. Their refusal to act justly leads to their downfall. This emphasizes the principle that evil deeds inevitably bring harm to the perpetrator, underlining the importance of pursuing justice.
Proverbs 21:8 (NKJV)
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.
Those who are guilty live crooked, dishonest lives, while the righteous conduct themselves in uprightness. The contrast here is between lives led by wicked intentions and those led by purity and integrity. The outcomes of their paths reflect their inner character.
Proverbs 21:9 (NKJV)
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
This proverb highlights the misery of living in a home filled with strife. It is better to live in isolation, even in a small and uncomfortable place, than to endure constant conflict. Peace and harmony in relationships are valued over material comfort.
Proverbs 21:10 (NKJV)
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
Wicked people are not only drawn to evil, but they also show no kindness or mercy to others. This proverb reveals the selfishness and malice in the hearts of the wicked, contrasting it with the value of loving one's neighbor and living with compassion.
Proverbs 21:11 (NKJV)
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
Punishing the scoffer serves as a lesson for the naive, helping them grow in wisdom. However, the wise do not need punishment to learn—they seek instruction and gain understanding. This contrast shows how different people respond to discipline and instruction.
Proverbs 21:12 (NKJV)
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
God watches over both the righteous and the wicked, and He brings justice to those who commit evil. Though the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, God ultimately brings about their downfall because of their wrongdoings. Justice is inevitable in God's hands.
Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV)
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
Those who ignore the needs of the poor and oppressed will face the same fate when they need help. God values compassion and generosity, and neglecting the needs of others invites divine judgment. This proverb teaches the principle of reciprocity in kindness and justice.
Proverbs 21:14 (NKJV)
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
This proverb notes that gifts given in secret can calm anger, implying that tact and diplomacy can de-escalate conflict. However, the second part refers to the negative side of bribes, which can influence decisions unjustly. The proverb acknowledges the power of discreet gestures but warns of the corrupting influence of bribery.
Proverbs 21:15 (NKJV)
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
Those who love righteousness find joy in doing what is right, while those who practice evil are headed for destruction. This contrast between the righteous and the wicked reinforces the ultimate triumph of justice and the certainty of judgment for those who do wrong.
Proverbs 21:16 (NKJV)
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
Abandoning wisdom and understanding leads to spiritual and physical death. This proverb emphasizes that turning away from the path of righteousness has severe consequences, symbolized by death and separation from life.
Proverbs 21:17 (NKJV)
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
A life devoted to indulgence and luxury leads to poverty. Those who prioritize pleasure over discipline and hard work will find themselves lacking. This proverb warns against living for temporary enjoyment and neglecting responsible behavior that leads to long-term success.
Proverbs 21:18 (NKJV)
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.
God’s justice ensures that the wicked ultimately pay for their actions, sometimes even in place of the righteous. This proverb reflects a principle of divine retribution, where the consequences of sin fall upon the evildoer while the righteous are preserved.
Proverbs 21:19 (NKJV)
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.
Similar to verse 9, this proverb emphasizes that living in peace, even in difficult or isolated conditions, is preferable to enduring constant conflict and anger in a relationship. Peaceful living is portrayed as more valuable than comfort in a contentious home.
Proverbs 21:20 (NKJV)
20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.
Wise individuals manage their resources carefully, resulting in abundance and stability. In contrast, the foolish waste their wealth and end up with nothing. This proverb encourages prudence and warns against squandering valuable resources.
Proverbs 21:21 (NKJV)
21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Pursuing righteousness and mercy leads to abundant life, both spiritually and materially. Those who make these qualities their goal experience the rewards of a blessed and honorable life. This proverb highlights the importance of living with integrity and compassion.
Proverbs 21:22 (NKJV)
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.
Wisdom is more powerful than brute strength. A wise person can achieve victories that seem impossible, even overcoming strongholds of power. This proverb exalts the superiority of wisdom over physical might in achieving success.
Proverbs 21:23 (NKJV)
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
Self-control in speech prevents many troubles. By being cautious with words, a person avoids conflicts, misunderstandings, and other problems that careless speech can cause. This proverb encourages restraint and wisdom in communication.
Proverbs 21:24 (NKJV)
24 A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.
The proud and arrogant are often labeled as scoffers, people who mock others and refuse correction. Such individuals act out of a sense of superiority and bring about their own downfall through their pride. The proverb warns against arrogance and the attitude of scoffing.
Proverbs 21:25 (NKJV)
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.
Laziness leads to destruction because it prevents a person from fulfilling their potential and meeting their needs. Although the lazy person desires success and prosperity, they refuse to put in the necessary work, resulting in poverty and ruin.
Proverbs 21:26 (NKJV)
26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.
The wicked are consumed by selfish desire, always wanting more, while the righteous are generous and give freely to others. This contrast highlights the fulfillment and joy found in generosity compared to the emptiness of greed.
Proverbs 21:27 (NKJV)
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
Even religious offerings are offensive to God when given by the wicked, especially when the motive is corrupt. This proverb stresses that God values righteousness over rituals and that intentions behind actions matter as much as the actions themselves.
Proverbs 21:28 (NKJV)
28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
A person who bears false witness will ultimately face judgment and destruction. In contrast, someone who listens carefully and speaks truthfully will endure and continue to share their insights. This proverb encourages integrity and truth in speech.
Proverbs 21:29 (NKJV)
29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.
The wicked are stubborn and unyielding, but the righteous carefully consider their path and live with purpose. The proverb contrasts the inflexibility of the wicked with the deliberate, thoughtful actions of the upright, showing the benefits of righteous living.
Proverbs 21:30 (NKJV)
30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord.
No human wisdom, knowledge, or plan can succeed against God. This proverb declares the supremacy of God's will and the futility of trying to oppose Him. It serves as a reminder that God's purpose will always prevail over human schemes.
Proverbs 21:31 (NKJV)
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.
While human efforts, such as preparing for battle, are necessary, ultimate victory comes from the Lord. This proverb teaches the balance between responsible action and reliance on God, emphasizing that true deliverance comes from His power, not from human strength.