Chapter 21

21:1 The ^a kings heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it wherever he will.

(a) Though kings seem to have all things at commandment, they are not able to bring their own purposes to pass unless God has appointed: much less are the inferiors able.

21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the ^b plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

(b) That is, the thing by which he is guided or which he brings forth as the fruit of his work.

21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of ^c every one [that is] hasty only to want.

(c) He who goes rashly about his business and without counsel.

21:7 The ^d robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

(d) He means this chiefly of judges and princes who leave that calling, to which God has called them, and impoverish their subjects to maintain their lusts.

21:11 ^e When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

(e) Read ( Proverbs 19:25 ).

21:12 The righteous [man] wisely ^f considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.

(f) Though the godly admonish them both by words and example of life, yet the wicked will not amend, till God destroys them.

21:14 A ^g gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

(g) To do a pleasure to the angry man pacifies him.

21:18 The ^h wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

(h) God will cause that to fall on their own heads, which they intended against the just by delivering the just, and putting the wicked in their places.

21:20 [There is] a treasure to be desired and ⁱ oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

(i) Meaning, abundance of all things.

21:22 A ^k wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence.

(k) Wisdom overcomes strength and confidence in worldly things.

21:25 The desire of the slothful ^l killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

(l) He thinks to live by wishing and desiring all things, but will make no effort to get anything.

21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth ^m speaketh constantly.

(m) He may boldly testify the truth that he has heard.