On the plain of Shinar, men had a plan to make the world one under them. They look upon everyone else with no favor in their eyes. Proverbs 5:20 "And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?" I just dipped my toes in a little and then went off on a tangent that I feel we all need to hear. It is impossible to believe, for example, that God turned the heart of Solomon in the direction of building pagan temples for many of his scandalous collection … Read Proverbs 21 commentary using John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. i. Sometimes we do this in sincerity, sometimes with deception, but stubborn pride makes us generally think every way of a man is right in his own eyes. But he was unable to run away from his conscience, which tortured him.” (Bridges). a. i. Whatever judgment they receive fits their actions. (a) Though kings seem to have all things at commandment, they are not able to bring their own purposes to pass unless God has appointed: much less are the inferiors able.21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the b plowing of the wicked, [is] sin. b. 3 To do what is right and just b. is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—. b. In the same way, the Lord can change the thoughts of a king.. 2 Everybody thinks that he always does right things. Proverbs 5:21 "For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings." He who loves wine and oil will not be rich: In this proverb wine and oil represent the luxuries of life. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Find Top Church Sermons, Illustrations, and Preaching Slides on Proverbs 21. Pro 21:1. Study the bible online using commentary on Proverbs 21 and more! a. In moving a river, one does not need to carry each drop of water to a place it where it is desired; if one can shape the banks and guide the direction of the river, the water will go where desired. “This is a vivid picture of Pharaoh, who in a proud and arrogant way asked who the Lord was that he should obey him (Exodus 5:2).” (Bridges). Proverbs 21:4. God is kind to us and he helps us. i. Wisdom or understanding or counsel: These are three similar terms used to express wisdom and right knowledge. And the unfaithful for the upright: God promises that in the end, all His righteous and upright will be lifted above the wicked and the unfaithful. a. He who follows righteousness and mercy “So spiritual wisdom, a direct gift from God, overcomes formidable difficulties. He acts with arrogant pride. Proverbs 21. Rashi 's Commentary: Show Hide. a. And the plowing of the wicked are sin: These three things – the look, the heart, and the plowing of the wicked are each called sin. “Use the means, but do not idolize them. 1. Even the hearts of men are in God's hand, … Than in a house shared with a contentious woman: To have the whole house but live in constant conflict with a contentious woman is misery. A wicked man hardens his face, The wicked assume You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. He is so blessed that he has enough for himself and to give generously. Proverbs 19:21. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. i. “Yahweh’s power of discernment goes beyond unmasking those who fool others; he even finds out those who have fooled themselves.” (Garrett). God is the God of all wisdom and understanding and counsel, so those things are always for Him and never against the Lord. Download the free PDF chapter worksheet: For personal or group Bible study. The diligent man first plans and then acts. Proverbs 21:21 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Proverbs 21:21, NIV: "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor." Note, 1. iv. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: By nature, we justify ourselves. “Balaam wished well to heaven; so did the young Pharisee in the gospel, that came to Christ hastily, but went away heavily. Read a Chapter of Proverbs and memorize the assigned verse. July 7, 2017 @DannyScottonJr Verse Commentary, Verse of the Day 0 Verse of the Day 7.7.17 — Proverbs 21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on Proverbs 21 ← Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources. Proverbs 24:5-6), has many applications, not least to spiritual warfare.” (Kidner), ii. 4:32; Eccl. “Here is a graphic picture of Satan himself! a. b. “The proverb drives home the vast and unbridgeable gulf between the best of human wisdom and the Lord’s sovereignty.” (Waltke). Means are to be used, but, after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love. Resource Library Browse the Proverbs 31 archives for free content resources. a. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. And the unfaithful for the upright. Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 20:24. The Biblical Illustrator. Such as oppress the poor by beating down wages, such as will not relieve according to their ability those in distress, and those in authority who neglect to do justice, stop their ears at the cry of the poor. Proverbs 21 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. Just as persistent in human history, the futility, the feebleness, the failure of this antagonism has been manifested.” (Morgan), ii. i. Killeth him - He wastes his strength and life in unsatisfied longings for something which he has not energy to gain. b. The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked: The Lord is a righteous God, and what happens in the house of the wicked does not escape His sight. (Read Proverbs 21:30,31) Means are to be used, but, after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. This commentary can be read from start to finish as a unit. Proverbs 21:19 commentary; 19 ¶ It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise: There are degrees of fools and their foolishness. But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. To do righteousness and justice 21. The wish to do great or good things may sometimes be taken for the deed, but if the hindrance is from a man‘s own sloth, it does but add to his condemnation. “Living in a world of wishful thinking and not working will bring ruin…the verse teaches that doing rather than desiring brings success.” (Ross). 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp [] of the wicked, are sin5 The plans of () the diligent lead surely to abundance, 24 Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. 12:9), along with some proverbs of others whom Solomon likely influenced. The horse is prepared for the day of battle: In the days these proverbs were written, the effective use of the horse in the war could be overwhelming against the enemy. 21 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he () turns it wherever he will. a. i. Plowing: “The prosperity and posterity of the wicked; is sin-it is evil in the seed, and evil in the root, evil in the branch, and evil in the fruit. a. a. But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied. Keeps his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. The wise can learn as they are instructed. a. i. b. The wise path is worth it. This does not please God, and God allows such people to reap what they have sown. Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Proverbs 21:31. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness. b. People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. There is an appropriate way to enjoy wine and oil without setting one’s heart on them; but if these are loved beyond proper measure, it is a pathway to poverty (will not be rich). Herod for a long time desired to see Christ, but never stirred out of doors to see him. Proverbs 21:21, ESV: "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor." 1 A king’s heart is channeled water in the hand of the LORD;. i. Ver. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. There is no shortage of either among humanity. But the man who hears him will speak endlessly. This oil in the dwelling place would be symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Seeking Real Wisdom. The departure from the way of understanding doesn’t have to be calculated and deliberate; it may feel like wandering. “It is more effective to use wisdom than to rely on strength.” (Ross). Verse 1 . Proverbs 11:16, 22), but the wife (Proverbs 12:4; 19:13-14) is more probably intended, as Proverbs 18:22 validates.” (Waltke). The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on Proverbs 21 ← Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources.