Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Twenty One
We will now look at Proverbs chapter twenty one:
On Life and Conduct
1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1 (NASB)
It is good for all of us to remember – it is God who is ultimately in charge. In Solomon's day, kings possessed absolute authority and were often considered to be like gods. This proverb shows that God has ultimate authority over world rulers. Although they may not have realized it, the earth's most powerful kings have always been under God's control.
2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. Proverbs 21:2 (NASB)
It is very easy for us to believe that everything we believe is correct. People may mistakenly think they are doing right, but God sees the motives of their hearts. We often have to make choices in areas where the right action is difficult to discern. We can help ourselves make such decisions by trying to identify our motives first and then asking, “Would God be pleased with my real reasons for doing this?” God is not pleased when we do good deeds only to receive something in return.
3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 (NASB)
Sacrifices are not bribes to make God overlook our character faults. We can't exchange good behavior in one area for bad behavior in another. If our personal and business dealings are not characterized by justice, no amount of generosity when the offering plate is passed will make up for it.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. Proverbs 21:4 (NASB)
A person who walks in his own pride is walking a path that leads to sin. What lamp are you using to light your path? Remember it is God’s word that should direct our path.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 (NASB)
Faithful completion of one's work is a great accomplishment. Being a diligent worker does not come naturally to some people; it is a result of strong character. Don't look for shortcuts that result in inefficiency. Work hard as if in the service of God.
6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. Proverbs 21:6 (NASB)
Those who lie to make a living – live a phantom life which as this verse promises – is “the pursuit of death”. There is honor living a life of truth.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice.
Proverbs 21:7 (NASB)
Because the wicked refuse to act with justice – violence will drag them away. Those who follow after righteousness shall find righteousness, honor and life – but it will not be the life of the wicked.
8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. Proverbs 21:8 (NASB)
Evil men have evil ways – but the pure seek the way that is upright and clean.
9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. Proverbs 21:9 (NASB)
There are times we think that we know what is best for us – but to live in a shack alone is better than live in a grand house with a contentious person. Which one of us wants to live in a house where fighting takes place every day? Barnes says of this verse:
The flat roof of an Eastern house was often used for retirement by day, or in summer for sleep by night. The corner of such a roof was exposed to all changes of weather, and the point of the proverb lies in the thought that all winds and storms which a man might meet with there are more endurable than the tempest within.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. Proverbs 21:10 (NASB)
What are your desires? Do you desire evil? Is so – you are bent toward wickedness – according to the Bible. This person is so wicked that it goes all the way down to his soul and even his neighbor or his friend will find no favor from him.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. Proverbs 21:11 (NASB)
It is usually better to learn from the mistakes of others than from our own. We can do this by observing other people's lives and listening to their advice. Take counsel from others instead of plunging ahead and learning the hard way.
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin. Proverbs 21:12 (NASB)
Have you ever considered the ways of the wicked? Have you looked at how it affects their entire household? Families suffer from the wrong doing of one of its members. Matthew Henry says:
Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers; they see there is a curse on them.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13 (NASB)
We should work to meet the needs of the poor and protect their rights, for it is always possible that someday we may find ourselves in their place. Currently in America the economy is not very stable. In many cases, people can move from a comfortable life to being one in need. God always wants us to care for those who are around us – for someday we may be the ones who need a helping hand.
14 A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. Proverbs 21:14 (NASB)
As Jacob approached Esau he prepared many gifts to appease his anger. Though the gifts were not needed – it was a wise move. This verse tells us to give the gift in secret and it will subdue anger and wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 21:15 (NASB)
A large part of living a godly life is to live a life of justice. Treat others as you would want to be treated. This is the golden rule. Those who live a life of iniquity will bring terror to those around them.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. Proverbs 21:16 (NASB)
Those who live a life of sinfulness will dwell among those who are spiritually dead. Birds of a feather flock together. When you know what is “right” and choose to walk away from this understanding – you are on the road of death.
17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. Proverbs 21:17 (NASB)
If a person’s life is consumed with nothing but the pursuit of pleasure – he will become a poor man. Not just in material wealth but also in wisdom and in holiness.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright. Proverbs 21:18 (NASB)
The Message Bible says this of this verse:
“What a bad person plots against the good, boomerangs; the plotter gets it in the end.”
19 It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman. Proverbs 21:19 (NASB)
This verse goes along with verse 9. The Living Bible says:
Better to live in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining woman.
Who wants to live with a person who complains and wants to fight all the time? Is it not better to live alone?
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. Proverbs 21:20 (NASB)
This proverb is about saving for the future. Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankruptcy. The desire to keep up appearances and to accumulate more drives them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit. But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford. A wise person puts money aside for hard times. God approves of foresight and restraint. God's people need to examine their lifestyles to see whether their spending is God-pleasing or merely self-pleasing.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor. Proverbs 21:21 (NASB)
A good question to ask is, “What am I pursuing? What are your goals? What are your dreams?” In a busy world we find we do not have enough time to do everything we want – yet the truth is – we make time for those things we believe are important to us. Are you pursuing righteousness?
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. Proverbs 21:22 (NASB)
Matthew Henry says of this verse, “Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength.”
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23 (NASB)
In James we find:
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. James 3:2 (NASB)
24 "Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with insolent pride. Proverbs 21:24 (NASB)
Here are some qualities of those who are not walking in God’s way – pride – haughty – scoffing. Do any of these qualities fill your life?
25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; Proverbs 21:25 (NASB)
The lazy person’s desire is to remain lazy. It will lead to death for where there is no work – there is no food.
26 All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. Proverbs 21:26 (NASB)
The wicked person – all he/she does is wants more – their desires are never satisfied. On the other hand the righteous give – and do not hold back. They are generous givers.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! Proverbs 21:27 (NASB)
Even if the wicked go through religious ritual – their sacrifices are despised by God. God wants more than mere ritual. Obedience with a heart tuned to God is much better than sacrifice. The intent of the heart is always vital when dealing with God.
The kind of worship described in this proverb is no better than a bribe. How do people try to bribe God? They may go to church, tithe, or volunteer, not because of their love and devotion to God, but because they hope God will bless them in return. But God has made it very clear that he desires obedience and love more than religious ritual. God does not want our sacrifices of time, energy, and money alone; he wants our heart—our complete love and devotion. We may be able to bribe people but we cannot bribe God.
28 A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever. Proverbs 21:28 (NASB)
Be very careful what you say about others. You do not know others motives nor what is going on in their hearts or in their minds. Do not try to be a mind reader – but always speak the truth.
29 A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. Proverbs 21:29 (NASB)
The wicked person may come across as being honest. In fact they may be bold about it – but it is the upright that seeks the truth and strives to live by it.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30 (NASB)
You cannot fight against God by using your wisdom and understanding. He is all wise and knows all things. We must always approach God with humility.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. Proverbs 21:31 (NASB)
This proverb refers to preparing for battle. All our preparation for any task is useless without God. But even with God's help we still must do our part and prepare. His control of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities. God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write. God may want to use you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language. God will accomplish his purposes, and he will be able to use you if you have done your part by being well prepared.
