King James Version
Proverbs 21
31 verses with commentary
Proverbs on the King and Righteousness
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
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KJV Study Commentary
This proverb asserts God's sovereignty over human rulers: 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.' Even the king—possessing supreme human authority—has his heart controlled by God. The metaphor of irrigation channels is instructive: as farmers direct water flow through channels for crop irrigation, so God directs kings' hearts towa...
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**XXI.**
(1) **As the rivers of water.—**Channels for irrigation (comp. Psalm 1:3). He turns the heart of the king, whose favour is as the latter rain (Proverbs 16:15) and dew (Proverbs 19:12), now towards one suppliant and now towards another, as He thinks fit, for “the hearts of kings are in His rule and governance.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
21. (Compare Psa 33:21).
**all flesh--**(Psa 65:2). The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascriptions of praise, in which the pious will ever delight to join.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
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KJV Study Commentary
This repeats 16:2's warning against self-deception. Human self-justification is unreliable—only God's evaluation matters. The heart's weighing reveals motives hidden from external observers and even from ourselves. We need divine illumination to see ourselves truly.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Every way of a man is right in his own eyes.**—See above, on Proverbs 16:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 146 Psa 146:1-10. An exhortation to praise God, who, by the gracious and faithful exercise of His power in goodness to the needy, is alone worthy of implicit trust.
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
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KJV Study Commentary
Justice and judgment (ethical living) please God more than sacrifice (ritual observance). This prophetic theme (1 Samuel 15:22, Micah 6:6-8) shows God values obedience over religious performance. Reformed theology emphasizes that true worship flows from transformed hearts, not mere external conformity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **To do justice and judgment, &c—**See above on Proverbs 10:2.
**Is more acceptable than sacrifice.—**See above on 15:8.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. An: Heb. Haughtiness of eyes the plowing: or, the light
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's 'high look' (Hebrew 'rum ayin'—haughty eyes) and 'proud heart' are their 'plowing'—the Hebrew 'niyr' can mean lamp or plowing/tillage. If the latter, their labor produces only sin. Pride characterizes the wicked's fundamental orientation. Proverbs repeatedly condemns pride (6:17, 16:18). Reformed theology sees pride as the original sin—Satan's 'I will be like the Most High' (Isaiah 14...
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(4) **The plowing of the wicked.—***i.e.*, their work, all they do; for it is not done to please God but themselves; nor carried on in His strength, but in reliance upon their own, and therefore it is “sin,” not pleasing to Him. For the word here translated “plowing,” see above on Proverbs 13:23, where it is rendered “tillage.” It may also signify “lamp*” *(see above on 13:9).
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'charuts' (diligent) describes one who is decisive and determined, whose 'thoughts' (plans, calculations) lead to abundance ('motar'—profit, excess). In contrast, the 'hasty' (Hebrew 'ats'—pressed, urgent) rush to quick results and inevitably face want. This proverb emphasizes that prosperity comes through patient, steady work according to wisdom, not get-rich-quick schemes.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **The thoughts of every one that is hasty tend only to want.**—This proverb is met with on all sides: “More haste, worse speed”; “Festina lente”; “Eile mit Weile.”
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
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KJV Study Commentary
Wealth gained 'by a lying tongue' is 'a vanity tossed to and fro' and pursued by 'them that seek death.' The Hebrew 'hebel' (vanity) means vapor or breath—insubstantial and fleeting. Ill-gotten gains provide no real security. The phrase 'tossed to and fro' (Hebrew 'niddaph'—driven, scattered) suggests instability. Seeking wealth through lies ultimately seeks death—both physical and spiritual. Refo...
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(6) **Is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.**—Rather, *is *(as) *the driven *(fleeting) *breath of those who are seeking death. *They are seeking in reality not riches, but death, and these riches will vanish like their own breath. (Comp. Wisdom Of Solomon 5:14; Psalm 68:2).
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. destroy: Heb. saw them, or, dwell with them
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's violence 'shall destroy them' because they refuse to do judgment. The Hebrew 'shadad' (destroy/devastate) and 'garar' (drag away) suggest being swept away by consequences of their own violence. Reformed theology's doctrine of God's justice affirms that sin carries intrinsic consequences. Those who live by the sword die by it (Matthew 26:52). The wicked's refusal to practice justice ('...
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(7) **The robbery of the wicked.**—Or, *their violence. *See above on Proverbs 1:19. (Comp. Psalm 9:15.)
The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
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KJV Study Commentary
The guilty man's way is 'froward' (Hebrew 'haphakpak'—twisted, perverse), contrasted with the pure whose work is 'right' (Hebrew 'yashar'—straight, upright). The wicked's path is crooked, characterized by deception and moral distortion. The pure person walks a straight path of integrity. Reformed theology emphasizes the antithesis between regenerate and unregenerate. The unconverted cannot walk ri...
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(8) **The way of man is froward and strange.—**The words may also mean “Tortuous is the way of a man who is laden with sin.” (Comp. Proverbs 2:15.)
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. a brawling: Heb. a woman of contentions a wide: Heb. an house of society
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KJV Study Commentary
Living in a 'corner of the housetop' (exposed roof corner) is better than sharing a house with a 'brawling woman.' The Hebrew 'midyan' (brawling/contentious) describes constant quarreling. This hyperbolic comparison emphasizes how unbearable contentious companionship is—better to be uncomfortable and alone than comfortable and in conflict. Reformed theology values peace and gentle speech, especial...
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(9) **It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop.—**Though there exposed to all the storms of heaven. The flat tops of houses were, in the East, used for exercise (2Samuel 11:2), sleeping, (1Samuel 9:26), devotion (Acts 10:9), and various domestic purposes (Joshua 2:6).
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. findeth: Heb. is not favoured
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked possess insatiable appetites for evil—their very 'soul desireth evil.' This isn't mere occasional sin but settled disposition and constant craving. Such a person shows no compassion even to neighbors ('findeth no favour in his eyes'). The reprobate heart is so consumed with wickedness that it views everyone as potential victims or obstacles. This reveals total depravity: without God's r...
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(10) **His neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.**—The wicked must have whatever he has set his heart upon, however much trouble and sorrow he may cause to his neighbour thereby.
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse repeats the principle from 19:25: different people learn through different means. When the scorner is punished, the 'simple' (naive, inexperienced) becomes wise by observing consequences. The scorner himself rarely learns, but his judgment educates others. Alternatively, when the wise person receives instruction directly, he gains knowledge without needing to witness punishment. This va...
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(11) **When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise.—**See above on Proverbs 19:25.
The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'righteous man' here likely refers to God Himself, the ultimately Righteous One who 'wisely considereth the house of the wicked.' God observes the wicked's dwelling—their entire life and household—with perfect knowledge and just judgment. He then 'overthroweth' them in judgment. This assures believers that God sees all wickedness and will certainly judge it. No evil escapes divine notice or es...
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(12) **The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked.—**Rather, *A Righteous one *(God) *marks the house of the wicked and overthroweth the wicked for *(their) *destruction. *He watches the evil to see whether they will repent (Luke 13:8), and if they will not, at last overthrows them when their iniquity has become full (Genesis 15:16).
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
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KJV Study Commentary
Those who ignore the poor's cries for help will themselves cry out unanswered in their time of need. This is the law of reciprocity: God governs the world such that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Refusing mercy to those in need hardens one's heart and forfeits divine mercy. Jesus taught this principle repeatedly: the unmerciful servant, the rich man and Lazarus, the sheep and goats judgment....
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(13) **He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.**—Because he showed no mercy. (Comp. Matthew 5:7; Matthew 18:30; James 2:13.)
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
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KJV Study Commentary
A well-timed secret gift can pacify anger and avert wrath. 'Gift in secret' and 'reward in the bosom' both suggest discreet generosity that allows the offended party to save face without public capitulation. This isn't bribery but wise peacemaking through humble generosity. Sometimes conflicts escalate due to pride; a gracious gift can defuse tension by demonstrating good will. The principle recog...
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(14) **A gift in secret.—**Comp. Abigail and David (1Samuel 25:18).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 147 Psa 147:1-20. This and the remaining Psalms have been represented as specially designed to celebrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem (compare Ne 6:16; 12:27). They all open and close with the stirring call for praise. This one specially declares God's providential care towards all creatures, and particularly His people.
1. (Compare Psa 92:1; 135:3).
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
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KJV Study Commentary
The righteous find joy in doing justice—administering fairness, defending the oppressed, and upholding truth. What delights the godly person terrifies the wicked, whose 'destruction' comes through justice's execution. This reveals opposite moral orientations: the righteous love what God loves; the wicked hate it. Justice is not merely external conformity but reflects transformed desires. The regen...
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(15) **But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.**—This may also mean, “It is a terror to the workers of iniquity (to do right).” They are afraid to trust such promises as Matthew 6:33. They think they will be ruined if they do not cheat their neighbours when they have an opportunity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. (Compare Psa 107:3; Is 11:12).
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
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KJV Study Commentary
The person who 'wandereth out of the way of understanding' departs from wisdom's path. The consequence is dwelling 'in the congregation of the dead'—spiritual death and ultimate damnation. Understanding here means not mere intellectual knowledge but living wisdom that fears God and follows His ways. To wander from this path is to embrace folly and death. The imagery of 'congregation of the dead' (...
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(16) **Shall remain in the congregation of the dead.**—Described in Isaiah 14:9; he shall not take part in the resurrection of Isaiah 26:19. A prophecy of retribution after death.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3. Though applicable to the captive Israelites, this is a general and precious truth.
**wounds--**(Compare Margin).
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. pleasure: or, sport
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KJV Study Commentary
Loving pleasure and luxury leads to poverty—'shall be a poor man.' Wine and oil represent indulgence and sensual gratification. Those who prioritize comfort and pleasure squander resources that should be stewarded wisely. This isn't condemning legitimate enjoyment of God's gifts but warning against making pleasure an idol. When present gratification becomes life's organizing principle, financial a...
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(17) **Wine and oil.—**The accompaniments of a feast. The oil, or precious unguents, were poured over the head (comp. Psalm 23:5). It was the excessive love and gratitude of the two Marys (Luke 7:38; John 12:3) which prompted them to anoint the Lord’s feet. These perfumes were sometimes of great value, the “pound of ointment of spikenard*” *(John 12:3) was worth “more than three hundred pence” (£1...
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4-5. God's power in nature (Is 40:26-28, and often) is presented as a pledge of His power to help His people.
**telleth ... stars--**what no man can do (Ge 15:5).
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked serves as 'ransom for the righteous'—taking the judgment the righteous might have suffered. This principle appears throughout Scripture: Haman hanged on the gallows prepared for Mordecai; Babylon judged while Israel delivered. God providentially arranges circumstances so the wicked receive the consequences intended for the righteous, delivering His people through the enemy's destruction...
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(18) **The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous.**—The righteous is “delivered out of trouble (Proverbs 11:8; comp. Isaiah 57:1), and the wicked cometh in his stead” to receive upon his own head God’s descending punishment. So it was with Mordecai and Haman.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4-5. God's power in nature (Is 40:26-28, and often) is presented as a pledge of His power to help His people.
**telleth ... stars--**what no man can do (Ge 15:5).
It is better to dwell in the wilderness , than with a contentious and an angry woman. in: Heb. in the land of the desert
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KJV Study Commentary
Better to dwell alone in the wilderness than with a 'contentious and angry' wife. The severity of this comparison emphasizes how unbearable constant strife makes a home. The wilderness represents isolation, hardship, and danger—yet even this is preferable to domestic warfare. A peaceful solitude surpasses companionship characterized by anger and contention. This hyperbolic comparison aims to preve...
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6. That power is put forth for the good of the meek and suffering pious, and confusion of the wicked (Psa 146:8, 9).
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
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KJV Study Commentary
The wise person's household contains 'treasure and oil'—stored wealth and abundance from diligent work and prudent management. By contrast, the 'foolish man spendeth it up'—squandering resources through imprudence, self-indulgence, or laziness. Wisdom produces prosperity through hard work, planning, and frugality; folly produces poverty through waste and improvidence. This isn't promising wealth t...
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7-9. His providence supplies bountifully the wild animals in their mountain homes.
**Sing ... Lord--**literally, "Answer the Lord," that is, in grateful praise to His goodness, thus declared in His acts.
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents a righteous life as the path to blessing: 'He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.' The one who pursues (radaph—follows after, chases) righteousness (tsedaqah—justice, rightness) and mercy (chesed—covenant loyalty, kindness) discovers three rewards: life, righteousness, and honor. The pursuit itself shapes character, and God gran...
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(21) **Righteousness and mercy.**—He who endeavours to give God and man their due (see above on 10:2), and to shew love to them (Proverbs 3:3), will gain for himself length of days (Proverbs 3:16) power to live more and more uprightly, and present honour from *God *and man for so doing. In a higher sense he will gain life eternal now and hereafter (John 17:3), righteousness, or the forgiveness of ...
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7-9. His providence supplies bountifully the wild animals in their mountain homes.
**Sing ... Lord--**literally, "Answer the Lord," that is, in grateful praise to His goodness, thus declared in His acts.
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
The wise man achieves what brute force cannot—he 'scaleth the city of the mighty' through strategy and intelligence. Physical strength alone is insufficient; wisdom provides superior advantage. The 'strength' trusted by the mighty becomes their downfall when opposed by superior tactics. This affirms wisdom's supremacy over mere power. In spiritual warfare, believers overcome not through human migh...
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7-9. His providence supplies bountifully the wild animals in their mountain homes.
**Sing ... Lord--**literally, "Answer the Lord," that is, in grateful praise to His goodness, thus declared in His acts.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
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KJV Study Commentary
Guarding mouth and tongue preserves one from troubles. Careless speech brings self-inflicted calamity—gossip, lying, harsh words all create problems for the speaker. James 3's teaching on the tongue's power to bless or curse expands this wisdom.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, &c**—See above on Proverbs 12:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-11. The advantages afforded, as in war by the strength of the horse or the agility of man, do not incline God to favor any; but those who fear and, of course, trust Him, will obtain His approbation and aid.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. in proud: Heb. in the wrath of pride
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'proud and haughty scorner' is defined by arrogance—he acts with 'proud wrath.' His name (character/reputation) is 'Scorner' because mockery defines him. This person treats wisdom with contempt, righteous people with derision, and God Himself with disdain. Pride is the root sin from which other sins flow. The scorner's arrogance blinds him to truth and wisdom, ensuring his destruction. Such pr...
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(24) **Proud and haughty scorner is his name.—**See above on Proverbs 1:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-11. The advantages afforded, as in war by the strength of the horse or the agility of man, do not incline God to favor any; but those who fear and, of course, trust Him, will obtain His approbation and aid.
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
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KJV Study Commentary
The sluggard's desire becomes his executioner—'the desire of the slothful killeth him.' He wants outcomes without effort, prosperity without work. His hands 'refuse to labour,' yet he craves the fruit that only labor produces. This internal contradiction destroys him. Desire without corresponding action produces only frustration, poverty, and death. The sluggard demonstrates that good intentions m...
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(25) **The desire of the slothful killeth them.—**Their love for sloth and pleasure ruins them in soul and body and fortune.
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked 'coveteth greedily all the day long'—constantly consumed by desire for more. By contrast, 'the righteous giveth and spareth not'—consistently generous without holding back. These opposite orientations reveal different heart conditions. The wicked person operates from scarcity mentality and selfish grasping; the righteous from abundance consciousness and generous trust in God's provision...
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(26) **He coveteth greedily all the day long, **that he may “consume it on his lusts” (James 4:3), while the righteous (Proverbs 21:21) gives to all who need, remembering that he is a steward (Luke 16:9), not an owner, and that blessing will attend upon him for so doing (Acts 20:35).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. strengthened ... gates--**or, means of defense against invaders,
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? with: Heb. in wickedness?
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked person's worship is inherently abominable to God—not merely imperfect but detestable. The second clause intensifies this: 'how much more' when worship is offered 'with a wicked mind'—hypocritically, manipulatively, or presumptuously. God looks at the heart, not external religious performance. The unregenerate person's best works are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6); his worship is offensive. T...
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(27) **How much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind**?—Plotting at the same time future wickedness, or thinking to make God, by the sacrifice, overlook his sin, and so become, as it were, his confederate.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. maketh ... borders--**or, territories (Ge 23:17; Is 54:12).
**filleth thee, &c.--**(Compare Margin).
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. A: Heb. A witness of lies
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KJV Study Commentary
A false witness—one who testifies dishonestly—'shall perish,' facing both temporal and eternal judgment. This person's deception has consequences not merely for others but for himself. Conversely, 'the man that heareth'—the one who listens carefully and speaks truthfully based on genuine knowledge—'speaketh constantly,' his testimony enduring and proving reliable. Truth stands; lies collapse. God ...
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(28) **But the man that heareth **(carefully, and repeats accurately) **speaketh constantly **(his testimony will live).—Comp., “he being dead yet speaketh,” Hebrews 11:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. God's Word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform (Ge 1:3; Psa 33:9), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs.
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. directeth: or, considereth
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked person 'hardeneth his face'—showing stubborn defiance and refusing correction. He presents bold confidence in his wickedness, unashamed and unrepentant. By contrast, the upright person 'directeth his way'—carefully considers his path and adjusts course according to wisdom. This describes opposite responses to moral instruction. The wicked double down on error; the righteous humbly corre...
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(29) **A wicked man hardeneth his face.—**Is insensible to rebuke, and will not confess himself in the wrong, but “the upright directeth his way,” as God would have him, or, as the margin implies, “looks well” to it, sees that it is in accordance with His commandments.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. God's Word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform (Ge 1:3; Psa 33:9), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse stands as one of Scripture's most definitive declarations of divine sovereignty. The threefold negation—'no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel'—emphatically asserts that all human resources utterly fail when opposed to God. The Hebrew construction uses לְנֶגֶד יְהוָה (<em>leneged YHWH</em>, 'against the LORD'), indicating active opposition or standing 'before/in the presence of' God. ...
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(30) **There is no wisdom . . . against the Lord**—Comp. 1Corinthians 3:19; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 2:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. God's Word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform (Ge 1:3; Psa 33:9), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. safety: or, victory
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KJV Study Commentary
Though horses are prepared for battle, salvation/victory belongs to the LORD. This balances human responsibility (preparation) with divine sovereignty (outcome). We do our part while acknowledging God alone grants success. This applies to spiritual warfare—we put on armor, but God gives victory.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **The horse is prepared against the day of battle.**—These had been imported largely from Egypt in Solomon’s time, though this was in direct contravention of the Law (1Kings 4:26, and Deuteronomy 17:16).
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. God's Word, as a swift messenger, executes His purpose, for with Him to command is to perform (Ge 1:3; Psa 33:9), and He brings about the wonders of providence as easily as men cast crumbs.