211 In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.
2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart- the unplowed field of the wicked-produce sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[1]
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.
12 The Righteous One[2] takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity[3] and honor.
22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant person-"Mocker" is his name- behaves with insolent fury.
25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. 26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable- how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
211 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loveth pleasure
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth 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 and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 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 he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
211 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe,
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
24 "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.
211 Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.
2 We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.
3 Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.
4 Arrogance and pride - distinguishing marks in the wicked - are just plain sin.
5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
6 Make it to the top by lying and cheating; get paid with smoke and a promotion - to death!
7 The wicked get buried alive by their loot because they refuse to use it to help others.
8 Mixed motives twist life into tangles; pure motives take you straight down the road. Do Your Best, Prepare for the Worst
9 Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.
10 Wicked souls love to make trouble; they feel nothing for friends and neighbors.
11 Simpletons only learn the hard way, but the wise learn by listening.
12 A God-loyal person will see right through the wicked and undo the evil they've planned.
13 If you stop your ears to the cries of the poor, your cries will go unheard, unanswered.
14 A quietly given gift soothes an irritable person; a heartfelt present cools a hot temper.
15 Good people celebrate when justice triumphs, but for the workers of evil it's a bad day.
16 Whoever wanders off the straight and narrow ends up in a congregation of ghosts.
17 You're addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied.
18 What a bad person plots against the good, boomerangs; the plotter gets it in the end.
19 Better to live in a tent in the wild than with a cross and petulant spouse.
20 Valuables are safe in a wise person's home; fools put it all out for yard sales.
21 Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself - glorious life!
22 One sage entered a whole city of armed soldiers - their trusted defenses fell to pieces!
23 Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
24 You know their names - Brash, Impudent, Blasphemer - intemperate hotheads, every one.
25 Lazy people finally die of hunger because they won't get up and go to work. 26 Sinners are always wanting what they don't have; the God-loyal are always giving what they do have.
27 Religious performance by the wicked stinks; it's even worse when they use it to get ahead.
28 A lying witness is unconvincing; a person who speaks truth is respected.
29 Unscrupulous people fake it a lot; honest people are sure of their steps.
30 Nothing clever, nothing conceived, nothing contrived, can get the better of God.
211 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.
20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.
21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
24 A proud and haughty man--"Scoffer" is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.
30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord.
211 The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord ; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19 It's better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. 26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 21:1-30
Commentary on Proverbs 21:1
(Read Proverbs 21:1)
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.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
(Read Proverbs 21:2)
We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:3
(Read Proverbs 21:3)
Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:4
(Read Proverbs 21:4)
Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:5
(Read Proverbs 21:5)
The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:6
(Read Proverbs 21:6)
While men seek wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
(Read Proverbs 21:7)
Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for ever.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:8
(Read Proverbs 21:8)
The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
(Read Proverbs 21:9)
It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the heart before God. For by prudence and patience, with constant prayer, the cross may be removed.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
(Read Proverbs 21:10)
The evil desires of a wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
(Read Proverbs 21:11)
The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:12
(Read Proverbs 21:12)
Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers; they see there is a curse on them.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
(Read Proverbs 21:13)
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. But doubtless care is to be used in the exercise of charity.
Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
(Read Proverbs 21:14)
If money can conquer the fury of the passions, shall reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them?
Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
(Read Proverbs 21:15)
There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion.
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.