1 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 them; because they refuse to do judgment.
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 woman in a wide house.
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 shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
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 wrath.
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 his way.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
The book of Proverbs in the KJV Holy Bible is a collection of wise sayings and teachings, attributed to King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived according to the Bible. Chapter 21 of Proverbs continues this tradition, offering practical advice and guidance on how to live a righteous and successful life. This chapter covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of self-control, the consequences of laziness and dishonesty, and the value of seeking wisdom.
There are several main themes that can be identified in Chapter 21 of Proverbs. These themes include the importance of self-control, the consequences of laziness and dishonesty, the value of seeking wisdom, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked.
One of the main themes in this chapter is the importance of self-control. Verses 1 and 2 state, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts." These verses emphasize the power of God to guide and direct the hearts of even the most powerful rulers. It also highlights the human tendency to think that our own way is always right, but ultimately it is God who knows the true intentions of our hearts.
Verse 3 speaks of the importance of doing what is right and just, rather than pursuing wealth and honor through dishonest means. This is further reinforced in verses 4 and 5, which state, "An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." These verses caution against pride and quick, impulsive actions, and instead encourage diligence and self-control in order to achieve success.
Verse 7 also warns against the dangers of dishonesty, stating, "The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment." This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, as well as the consequences of dishonesty.
Chapter 21 also emphasizes the negative consequences of laziness and dishonesty. Verses 13 and 25 both mention the consequences of failing to take care of one's responsibilities and being lazy. Verse 13 states, "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." This verse highlights the importance of being generous and compassionate towards those in need, rather than ignoring them out of laziness or selfishness.
Verse 25 states, "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour." This verse speaks to the destructive nature of laziness, which can lead to poverty and ruin. Similarly, verse 26 states, "He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not." This verse contrasts the greedy desires of the lazy with the generosity of the righteous, highlighting the negative consequences of laziness and the positive impact of hard work and generosity.
Verse 18 also speaks to the consequences of dishonesty, stating, "The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright." This verse suggests that the dishonest and wicked will ultimately face consequences for their actions, while the righteous and upright will be protected and vindicated.
Throughout Chapter 21, there is a strong emphasis on the value of seeking wisdom. Verse 11 states, "When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge." This verse highlights the importance of learning from the mistakes and consequences of others, as well as being open to instruction and guidance from the wise.
Verse 20 also speaks to the value of wisdom, stating, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." This verse suggests that wisdom is a valuable possession, likening it to treasure and oil. It also warns against foolishness and wastefulness, which can lead to poverty and ruin.
Verse 30 further emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom, stating, "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD." This verse reminds readers that true wisdom comes from God, and that seeking His guidance and counsel is the key to living a successful and righteous life.
Finally, Chapter 21 also highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Verses 6 and 7 speak to the ultimate fate of the wicked, stating, "The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment." These verses suggest that the pursuit of wealth and success through dishonest means will ultimately lead to destruction and death.
Verse 12 also speaks to the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, stating, "The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness." This verse suggests that the righteous are wise and discerning, while the wicked are ultimately overthrown by God for their wickedness.
In summary, Chapter 21 of Proverbs in the KJV Holy Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control, the consequences of laziness and dishonesty, the value of seeking wisdom, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This chapter teaches readers the importance of living a righteous and wise life, and warns against the destructive nature of pride, laziness, and dishonesty. It also encourages readers to seek wisdom from God and to be generous and compassionate towards others. Ultimately, Chapter 21 reminds readers that true success and righteousness come from living according to God's guidance and counsel.
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