Proverbs 21
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 21, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
The king's heart {is} in the hand of the LORD, {as} the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Proverbs 21:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
Every way of a man {is} right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
To do justice and judgment {is} more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
An high look, and a proud heart, {and} the plowing of the wicked, {is} sin. {An...: Heb. Haughtiness of eyes} {the plowing: or, the light}
Proverbs 21:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
The thoughts of the diligent {tend} only to plenteousness; but of every one {that is} hasty only to want.
Proverbs 21:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue {is} a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Proverbs 21:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. {destroy...: Heb. saw them, or, dwell with them}
Proverbs 21:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
The way of man {is} froward and strange: but {as for} the pure, his work {is} right.
Proverbs 21:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
{It is} better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. {a brawling...: Heb. a woman of contentions} {a wide...: Heb. an house of society}
Proverbs 21:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. {findeth...: Heb. is not favoured}
Proverbs 21:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
Proverbs 21:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
The righteous {man} wisely considereth the house of the wicked: {but God} overthroweth the wicked for {their} wickedness.
Proverbs 21:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Proverbs 21:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
Proverbs 21:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
{It is} joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction {shall be} to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 21:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Proverbs 21:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
He that loveth pleasure {shall be} a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. {pleasure: or, sport}
Proverbs 21:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
The wicked {shall be} a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
Proverbs 21:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
{It is} better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. {in...: Heb. in the land of the desert}
Proverbs 21:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
{There is} treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Proverbs 21:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Proverbs 21:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
A wise {man} scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
Proverbs 21:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 21:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
Proud {and} haughty scorner {is} his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. {in proud...: Heb. in the wrath of pride}
25
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Proverbs 21:25 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Proverbs 21:26 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
27
The sacrifice of the wicked {is} abomination: how much more, {when} he bringeth it with a wicked mind? {with...: Heb. in wickedness?}
Proverbs 21:27 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
28
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. {A...: Heb. A witness of lies}
Proverbs 21:28 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
29
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but {as for} the upright, he directeth his way. {directeth: or, considereth}
Proverbs 21:29 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
30
{There is} no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
Proverbs 21:30 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
31
The horse {is} prepared against the day of battle: but safety {is} of the LORD. {safety: or, victory}
Proverbs 21:31 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.