Proverbs 21 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

21:1

rivers — irrigating channels (Psalm 1:3), whose course was easily turned (compare Deuteronomy 11:10). God disposes even kings as He pleases (Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 33:15).

21:2

(Compare Proverbs 14:2; Proverbs 16:2-25).

21:3

(Compare Psalm 50:7-15; Isaiah 1:11, Isaiah 1:17).

21:4

high look — (Compare Margin; Psalm 131:1).

proud heart — or, “heart of breadth,” one that is swollen (compare Psalm 101:5).

ploughing — better “lamp,” a frequent figure for prosperity (Proverbs 20:20); hence joy or delight.

21:5

The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (compare Proverbs 19:2).

21:6

The getting — or, “what is obtained” (compare Job 7:2; Jeremiah 22:13, Hebrew).

vanity to and fro — as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind (compare Proverbs 20:17-21; Psalm 62:10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory.

them death — act as if they did (Proverbs 8:36; Proverbs 17:19).

21:7

robbery — or, “destruction,” especially oppression, of which they are authors.

shall destroy — literally, “cut with a saw” (1 Kings 7:9), that is, utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind.

to do judgment — what is just and right.

21:8

of man — any one; his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct.

21:9

corner — a turret or arbor on the roof.

brawling — or contentious.

wide house — literally, “house of fellowship,” large enough for several families.

21:10

So strongly does he desire to do evil (Psalm 10:3; Ecclesiastes 8:11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.

21:11

(Compare Proverbs 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.

21:12

(Compare Psalm 37:35-38; Psalm 73:17, Psalm 73:20).

house — family or interests.

overthroweth — either supply “God” (compare Proverbs 10:24), or the word is used impersonally.

21:13

The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Psalm 18:26; Matthew 7:1-12).

21:14

The effect of bribery (Proverbs 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.

21:15

But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.

21:16

the way of understanding — (Compare Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 14:22).

remain — that is, rest as at a journey‘s end; death will be his unchanging home.

21:17

Costly luxuries impoverish.

21:18

(Compare Proverbs 11:8). By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (compare Joshua 7:26; Esther 7:9).

21:19

(Compare Proverbs 21:9).

wilderness — pasture, though uninhabitable ground (Psalm 65:12).

21:20

The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools

spend — literally, “swallow it up,” greedily.

21:21

He who tries to act justly and kindly (Psalm 34:14) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.

21:22

“Wisdom is better than strength” (Ecclesiastes 7:19; Ecclesiastes 9:15).

strength thereof — that in which they confide.

21:23

(Compare Proverbs 13:2, Proverbs 13:3; James 3:6-10).

21:24

The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.

21:25

desire — that is, of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.

21:26

The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.

21:27

God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency.

wicked mind — or, “design” (Proverbs 1:4).

21:28

(Compare Proverbs 19:5).

that heareth — or heeds instruction, and so grows wise.

speaketh constantly — or sincerely (compare Habakkuk 1:5), and hence is believed (Proverbs 12:19; James 1:19).

21:29

hardeneth his face — is obstinate.

directeth way — considers it, and acts advisedly.

21:30-31

Men‘s best devices and reliances are vain compared with God‘s, or without His aid (Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 33:17).