16 The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.
20 There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24 Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.
25 The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work: 26 He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose!
28 A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.
30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 21:16-31
Commentary on Proverbs 21:16
(Read Proverbs 21:16)
Of all wanderers in the ways of sin, those are in the most dangerous condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness. Yet there is hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour; but let them flee to him without delay.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:17
(Read Proverbs 21:17)
A life of worldly pleasure brings ruin on men.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
(Read Proverbs 21:18)
The righteous is often delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as a ransom for him.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
(Read Proverbs 21:19)
Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of all relations.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:20
(Read Proverbs 21:20)
The plenty obtained by prudence, industry, and frugality, is desirable. But the foolish misspend what they have upon their lusts.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
(Read Proverbs 21:21)
True repentance and faith will lead him that relies on the mercy of God in Christ, to follow after righteousness and mercy in his own conduct.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
(Read Proverbs 21:22)
Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:23
(Read Proverbs 21:23)
It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:24
(Read Proverbs 21:24)
Pride and haughtiness make men passionate; such continually deal in wrath, as if it were their trade to be angry.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:25-26
(Read Proverbs 21:25-26)
Here is the misery of the slothful; their hands refuse to labour in an honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood; yet their hearts cease not to covet riches, pleasures, and honours, which cannot be obtained without labour. But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:27
(Read Proverbs 21:27)
When holiness is pretended, but wickedness intended, that especially is an abomination.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:28
(Read Proverbs 21:28)
The doom of a false witness is certain.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
(Read Proverbs 21:29)
A wicked man bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the rebukes of Providence. But a good man asks, What does God require of me?
Commentary on Proverbs 21:30-31
(Read Proverbs 21:30-31)
Means are to be used, but, after all, our safety and salvation are only of the Lord. In our spiritual warfare we must arm ourselves with the whole armour of God; but our strength must be in the Lord, and in the power of his might.