16 Whoever wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful wife.
20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.
22 One wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.
23 To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.
24 The proud, haughty person, named "Scoffer," acts with arrogant pride.
25 The craving of the lazy person is fatal, for lazy hands refuse to labor. 26 All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
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.