Proverbs 21:1 ¶ The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
This is yet another statement of the sovereignty of God. Taken as a stand alone it can be very confusing. Taken in context with the whole scripture and what we know of God’s character it is not. We know that God gave man the ability to make His own choices.
Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live….”
We also know that God is not willing that any person perish in their sin.
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Scripture is clear in connecting God’s sovereignty over man with His foreknowledge when it comes to His plans for the future.
Romans 8:29 “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate….”
Romans 11:2 “God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew.”
In light of that truth, it is beyond amazing that God put in place a plan that would position men perfectly in place and time to weave together man’s choice with His purpose. Solomon compares this to a river of water as it flows along a path defined by its banks. God has defined the banks along which the rivers of our lives flow—be we king or commoner.
Proverbs 21:2 ¶ Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Generally speaking, each person lives their life according to what they determine to be right for self. They don’t generally take time to consider their motives in light of the truth of God’s word. God, however, is most concerned with the motives and intents of one’s heart that prompt their actions.
Henry: “The proud heart is very ingenious in putting a fair face upon a foul matter, and in making that appear right to itself which is far from being so, to stop the mouth of conscience.”
Guzik quoting Garrett: "Yahweh’s power of discernment goes beyond unmasking those who fool others; he even finds out those who have fooled themselves.”
Proverbs 21:3 ¶ To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
This truth was very significant at the time that Solomon lived. Their spiritual lives revolved around the sacrifices and offerings made at the temple. In connection with the previous verse, Solomon is emphasizing that God is more concerned with the motives and intents of our hearts. One can go through the motions of worship with a rebellious heart. To do what is right and live according to God’s law is to mirror His heart before others and that is what pleases Him more.
Ironside: “It was a common thing for men to forget that sacrifices and offerings were not pleasing to the Lord when uprightness was lacking. He always placed righteousness and equity above ceremonial observances, as He does today. While He was on earth the Lord witheringly rebuked the Pharisees for their attention to ritualistic details while forgetting justice and integrity. ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice’ (Matthew 9:13) was His word.”
Proverbs 21:4 ¶ An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Pride, both of demeanor and heart, and wicked deeds are sin. This seems to be an obvious truth. I think Solomon is making the point that pride, a reflection of one’s rebellious heart, is just as sinful as actual deeds of wickedness.
Proverbs 21:5 ¶ The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
I like the wording of the NIV: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
To be diligent is to exert careful attention and effort to what you are doing.… The one who is hasty “wants to avoid work, find shortcuts, and cut corners.” (Guzik)
Henry: “Those that are hasty, that are rash and inconsiderate in their affairs, and will not take time to think, that are greedy of gain, by right or wrong, and make haste to be rich by unjust practices or unwise projects, are in the ready road to poverty. Their thoughts and contrivances, by which they hope to raise themselves, will ruin them.”
Proverbs 21:6 ¶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
A fortune attained by lying is likely to be lost by those that seek revenge and want to kill you. Vanity also refers to being unsatisfactory. Wealth attained by lying doesn’t satisfy like wealth that is honestly attained A liar is one who has chosen to follow the devil on a path that leads to hell.
John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Proverbs 21:7 ¶ The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
I think the NLT expresses it well: “Because the wicked refuse to do what is just, their violence boomerangs and destroys them.”
The wicked may think that they are getting away with their sin in this lifetime, but in the end your sin will cause your destruction. (See Revelation 21:8 above.) Life is about choices made. Right choices will lead to submission and obedience to the LORD; wrong choices made in rejection of God will lead to your destruction.
Proverbs 21:8 ¶ The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
This emphasizes the truth of the comment I made on the preceding verse. A froward man is one who is perverse and refuses to do what is right. The word “strange” refers to one who is guilty. A person who is perverse is guilty of sin before the LORD. The pure person, on the other hand, is one who is morally clean and in right standing before the LORD because he tries to live in obedience before the LORD.
I couldn’t help but think of the following verse: Matthew 7:20 “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Proverbs 21:9 ¶ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
In bible times, the roofs of homes were like additional rooms of the house. Solomon is saying that it is better to live alone in a corner of the roof than to live in a spacious house with a woman (female, wife) that constantly quarrels and causes discord in the family.
Proverbs 21:10 ¶ The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
Evil men like to do what is evil; they are not merciful or kind to anyone. They are only motivated by pleasing self.
Proverbs 21:11 ¶ When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
I liked the NLT: “A simpleton can learn only by seeing mockers punished; a wise person learns from instruction.”
The scornful person is one who is full of contempt and has no respect for God or His word. He is obviously going to do what is wrong. Those that are simple learn by seeing such a person being punished for their sin. It’s much like a child that learns by watching his older siblings being disciplined for wrongdoing. The wise person learns from paying attention to and accepting what he is taught (in context, assuming a godly instructor).
Proverbs 21:12 ¶ The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Noting that the words “man” and “but God” are not in the original Hebrew, I tend to think that other translations make more sense, e.g., the NIV: “The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.”
Scripture is clear in declaring that God is omniscient; He knows everything that is going on at all times.
1 Chronicles 28:9 “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts:”
Job 34:21–22 “For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.”
Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”
Jeremiah 23:24 “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”
Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Scripture is also clear that the wicked will be destroyed.
Psalm 37:38 “But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.”
Psalm 145:20 “The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.”
Philippians 3:18–19 “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction….”
2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power….”
Proverbs 21:13 ¶ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
One who refuses to recognize the needs of the poor who cry out for help will find that no one will heed his cry when he finds himself in need. This is yet another example of the law of reaping and sowing.
Galatians 6:7 “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Proverbs 21:14 ¶ A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
This is an odd thing for Solomon to teach his sons; he seems to be condoning bribery as a means of appeasing someone’s anger. It may be true, but it is sinful.
Ironside took a more positive view of this verse: “Nothing so readily defeats hatred and anger as doing good to one who harbors malice. It must be done quietly and unpretentiously, so that others are not made aware of it. For there is danger that well-meant kindness, done openly in the sight of all, may be mistaken for hypocrisy, designed to deceive onlookers. But what passes between two parties in private will not be misunderstood, if it is not mentioned afterwards. This is how Jacob sought to turn aside the assumed wrath of Joseph.
Genesis 43:11–14 “And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin.”
Proverbs 21:15 ¶ It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
This verse is basically saying that the righteous rejoice to see justice done, but the wicked observe it with dismay and consternation. As I observe the different responses in politics today, I would say that the wicked are driven to fury and insanity when they see justice done. Obviously, the context implies that justice is in accordance with God’s word. The wicked will end up being destroyed. (See verses under comments for verse 12.)
Proverbs 21:16 ¶ The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
My paraphrase: The person that goes astray from the path of wisdom dwells among the dead. I believe the reference is to Godly wisdom and those who are spiritually dead. I think Lot choosing to dwell in the vicinity of and eventually in Sodom would be a prime example from scripture.
Proverbs 21:17 ¶ He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Those whose hearts are focused on the pleasures and luxuries of life will end up poor, including those that love wine and oil (a reference to riches). It’s not wrong to enjoy life or even a bit of wine in moderation as long as it doesn’t interfere with making wise decisions and maintaining the right priorities in life.
Proverbs 21:18 ¶ The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
I think the NLT gets the right idea: “Sometimes the wicked are punished to save the godly, and the treacherous for the upright.”
I think the story of the Jews taking possession of the Promised Land is a prime example of this truth.
Proverbs 21:19 ¶ It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
This verses goes hand-in-hand with verse 9, using a different comparison. Solomon declares it to be better to live in the desert or wastelands than with a woman (wife) that is always promoting strife and anger in the home. The benefit of the desert or wastelands—peace and quiet.
Proverbs 21:20 ¶ There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
The word “treasure” references a storehouse or depository. The teacher seems to be saying that the wise person stays prepared with a proper storehouse of the things that are of benefit to a comfortable life. The foolish man, however, uses up everything he has without regard for the future.
Proverbs 21:21 ¶ He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
To follow after righteousness is to strive to live according to God’s law. That includes following after mercy, showing loving-kindness toward others. Those who who strive to live such a life promote a healthy life that is characterized by righteousness and deserving of honor. This is a general principle that is not always proven true in relationships in our sin-infected world; but it is a principle that always proves true in our relationship to the LORD. We will reap the full benefits of living such a life as part of our eternal rewards.
This verse reminds me of a verse in Micah.
Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Proverbs 21:22 ¶ A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
This is a hard verse. After reading through the different translations, I do get the sense that the focus is on spiritual combat. There are many examples in scripture of those that are more powerful physically being defeated by those that go to battle with faith in the LORD as their deliverer—e.g., David vs. Goliath, the Israelites against the kingdoms of the giants, etc. Every time the people of God gain a victory in faith, the false gods of the wicked are proven impotent. For some reason, however, people are determined to put their faith in false gods instead of the one true God. How foolish!
EBC Abridged comments on the importance of wisdom: “In a war victory is credited not so much to the infantry as to the tactician, the general who plans the attack.”
And that is a valid observation regarding physical warfare. In the context of this book, however, wisdom is directly related to being obedient to the LORD. So, I tend to think the focus is on spiritual battles that can also impact physical battles.
Proverbs 21:23 ¶ Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
To “keep” one’s mouth is to guard what comes out of it. One who carefully controls what he says will avoid a lot of heartache. Sadly, I speak from experience!
Henry: “Keep thy heart, and that will keep thy tongue from sin; keep thy tongue, and that will keep thy heart from trouble.”
Every time I read about the tongue, I think of these verses from James.
James 3:5–10 “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Proverbs 21:24 ¶ Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
One who is proud and arrogant is apt to scorn or mock others. He/she is extremely conceited and arrogant.
Such people are to be pitied. It is quite unlikely that they will humble themselves to the point of recognizing that they are sinners in need of salvation.
Proverbs 21:25 ¶ The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
The slothful person is a lazy person. His laziness and refusal to work will eventually lead to his death. He is full of covetousness. The only way such a person can survive is if others choose to provide for him/her.
The righteous person works hard and is ready and willing to provide for the needy. One does no favor for the lazy person, however, if they do not connect giving to helping them to providing incentive to work for what they receive.
Proverbs 21:27 ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
I think the NLT expresses the heart of this verse: “God loathes the sacrifice of an evil person, especially when it is brought with ulterior motives.”
People are willing to go through all kinds of rituals to put on a front or for other personal objectives. The problem, however, is that God sees the heart; He knows our motives. He abhors sacrificial rituals with no real intent to honor Him.
Matthew 15:7–8 “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
1 Samuel 15:22 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Proverbs 21:28 ¶ A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
Well, the translations certainly add confusion to this verse. It seems to me to be drawing a contrast between a false witness and one who testifies to the truth of what he heard or saw. The Hebrew for “constantly” makes reference to truthfulness. The testimony of a false witness can lead to destruction—of himself or of the innocent. A truthful witness will lead to justice.
One commentator notes that the false witness will have his testimony destroyed or that he will be punished. Sadly, that is not always the case today (or in time past). Jesus was convicted on the testimony of false witnesses. It will, however, always prove true when the LORD comes to rule on His throne.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
Proverbs 21:29 ¶ A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
A hardened face makes reference to one who is impudent, shameless and brazen. He puts on a front to intimidate. Such a person looks on others with contempt.
One who is upright, however, has no need to put on a front because he acts with wisdom, understanding and intelligence before the LORD. Others respond to him out of respect.
Proverbs 21:30 ¶ There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
There is no man wise enough to provide counsel that can defeat the LORD. He is wiser and stronger than any man, plan or weapon. You can plan your battle carefully and use the best weapons, but victory rests in the hands of the LORD.
Proverbs 22:1 ¶ A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
It should be noted that the word “good” was added by the translators, but is appropriate since the Hebrew for “name” includes the thought of a mark of honor and character. It goes hand-in-hand with one who is known for being gracious and kind (from Hebrew for “favor”). To be known as one possessing character, honor and kindness is far more valuable than to possess material wealth. Such value will earn one eternal rewards, while earthly wealth is temporary and beneficial only in this life.
Ironside: “No name is more lasting and enduring than that won by him who lives for God and considers all that earth has to offer as worthless for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 22:2 ¶ The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
“Meet together” is a term expressing having something in common. It is a fact that the LORD is the maker of both rich and poor. At first, I thought this to be a reference to God as Creator of all—which is a true statement. However the Hebrew focuses on God’s power and authority in appointing each person’s place in life. It is the LORD that has sovereignty over one’s future. I believe each person has a purpose in God’s overall plan and is given a position in life in accordance with that plan. It doesn’t make one person more valuable before the LORD than another. As the old saying rightly says, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.”
I think it is necessary to note that each person’s part in God’s plan is rooted in His foreknowledge. He did not appoint salvation for only a few; He died for all.
1 John 2:1–2 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
propitiation = atonement, the appeasement for divine justice that reconciles us in relationship to God
1 Timothy 2:5–6 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all….”
Sadly, the plan of redemption was made necessary because of man’s choice to rebel against the LORD. Those that He knew would choose to reject Him were appointed a purpose in accordance with that choice.
Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.”
Proverbs 22:3 ¶ A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
I liked the NLT: “A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
A prudent person is wise, careful, and sensible. The principle in this verse has so many practical applications in life. Because of my interest in the study of prophecy, I see special application regarding being able to correctly apply scripture to the future and the foretold evil to come. God has given us a prophetic outline that should make us wake up and take notice of events that are unfolding right before our very eyes. We should boldly be declaring the gospel in hopes that more people will choose to take refuge in the gift of salvation and avoid the terrible times that are soon to come.
Proverbs 22:4 ¶ By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Humility is recognizing our unworthiness before the LORD and is a direct result of our reverence for Him. When we live in humility before the LORD, it may not always lead to riches, honor and health in this lifetime—but it certainly will in the life to come that is ours in Jesus.
Romans 8:16–17 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ….”
1 Peter 1:3–5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Proverbs 22:5 ¶ Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
Solomon has referenced the froward many times; a froward person is perverse and has willfully chosen to rebel against the LORD. One who chooses to live in rebellion against the LORD will encounter obstacles and snares that bring him trouble. One who follows the LORD in submission and faith will be able to avoid the pitfalls associated with sin.
Proverbs 22:6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
This is a precious scriptural principle claimed as comfort by many Christian parents when their children stray from the spiritual foundations upon which they were raised. The importance of laying those early spiritual foundations cannot be overstated. In fact, the Hebrew for “train up” includes the idea of dedication; we should be dedicated to training up our children to love and obey the LORD. Such training necessarily includes teaching them scripture. The LORD has promised that His word will not return to Him void. The seeds of scripture planted in young hearts will result in a harvest. I think Manasseh, son of the good king Hezekiah, is probably one of the most amazing examples from scripture of this truth.
Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
2 Chronicles 33:1–2, 6, 9, 12-13, 16 “Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD….he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger….So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel….when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God….And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.”
If, however, parents do not example what they teach, it will result in a snare to the child. They are quick to recognize a hypocrite. As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”
Proverbs 22:7 ¶ The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Solomon is saying that riches are a means of exerting power over the poor—-for good or for bad. In the same way, one who lends to another has leverage over the one to whom he lends. These are principles one observes in every day life.
Henry: “The rich rule over the poor, and too often more than becomes them, with pride and rigour, unlike to God, who, though he be great, yet despises not any.”
Ironside: “The Christian should fear debt and flee from it, realizing that it is the effort of the enemy to undermine his peace and destroy his sense of dependence on the Lord.”
Proverbs 22:8 ¶ He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
The Hebrew for “vanity” includes the idea of trouble, wickedness, affliction, and sorrow. Acting in wickedness is compared to planting seeds in the ground. One who acts in wickedness can expect to reap the evil fruit of his actions—if not in this life, certainly in the next. His rod of anger, his power to do evil will one day be brought to an end.
This is one of the principles or truths that is sometimes hard to process. We want to see justice now. We don’t like to see the wicked seem to be getting away with their wickedness. As followers of Jesus, we need to trust in the LORD’s sovereignty to accomplish justice. How blessed we are as true followers of the LORD to know that we are justified before the Father because of the gift of salvation that is ours in Jesus!
Proverbs 22:9 ¶ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Solomon declares that one who is generous toward the poor will be blessed. One who provides for the poor mirrors the heart of the LORD. I am reminded of the following verses.
2 Corinthians 9:6 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Clarke: “…the bountiful eye means the bountiful heart; for the heart looks through the eye.”
Proverbs 22:10 ¶ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
One who is scornful is full of contempt and mocks the things of the LORD. Such a person infects others with his attitude. If you get rid of the scorner, you get rid of the source of the discord and confusion he causes.
Proverbs 22:11 ¶ He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
This proverb asserts that the king will be the friend of one who loves moral purity and speaks with kindness. Again, this is a principle assuming a godly king.
How sad that there are almost no godly kings in our world today! Moral purity as established by the word of God is no longer of high regard; moral impurity is more and more celebrated throughout our world.
Proverbs 22:12 ¶ The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
I think Solomon is saying that the LORD is ever vigilant to guard the truth. He will ensure that the words of the transgressor, one who is deceitful and tries to pervert the truth, are revealed as the lies they are.
Proverbs 22:13 ¶ The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
I think the NLT expresses the heart of this verse well: “The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, ‘If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!’”
One who is slothful will make up any excuse to avoid an honest day’s work.
I liked Henry’s comment on this verse: “He talks of a lion without, but considers not his real danger from the devil, that roaring lion, which is in bed with him, and from his own slothfulness, which kills him.”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour….”
Proverbs 22:14 ¶ The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
Solomon is warning his sons yet again about the dangers of falling for the lures of an adulterous woman that often come in the form of flattering words. This time, however, he connects that sin as occurring in consequence of the LORD’s anger towards you. So how does one incur the LORD’s anger? By rejecting both Him and His word as having any authority in your life. By choosing to go your own way in open defiance before Him.
Proverbs 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
One who is foolish is one who has no understanding or is weak in intellect. The hearts of children are foolish and require training. In fact, children are born with a sin nature, a tendency to sin. One effective means of training a child is through use of the rod of correction—not the rod of beating. The rod of correction is exercised in love with the intent to improve behavior and impress upon the child what is acceptable behavior. Beating a child in anger is harmful; it only proves that the one using the rod is foolish and has no understanding of the heart of God in this respect. Fathers in particular should remember that children will relate to God as their father in large part by how you “father” them.
Proverbs 22:16 ¶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Those who take advantage of the poor to attain their wealth will come to poverty just as surely as those that try to bribe the rich with gifts. Again, this is always true from a spiritual perspective. Sometimes in this life, one may profit from such schemes temporarily; but he will certainly suffer the consequences in the life to come.
Proverbs 22:17 ¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
Proverbs 22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
Proverbs 22:19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Proverbs 22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
Proverbs 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
An instructive note from Chuck Smith at this point: “Now at this point, the whole thing of the Proverbs begin to change a bit. We’ve had proverbs for a long period that more or less are isolated singly and stand alone. Sometimes you have a couplet, two of them together. But now the whole procedure of the Proverbs change, and we now have longer proverbs. That is, they take two, three, four verses in the proverbs that we now follow. You’ll notice this definite change, and rather than just little four-liners, they now expand on a particular thought.”
In this group of verses, Solomon is taking a moment to encourage his sons to take to heart the truths of God’s word that he is teaching and apply them to their lives. He wants them to be prepared to give an answer as to why they believe what they believe, why they live according to these principles. He is very clear in stating that his purpose in teaching them is to provide a firm foundation for their trust in the LORD. He wants them to understand that God’s word is truth. Anything that denies or contradicts the word of God is not truth. God’s word is the standard upon which all truth and morality is determined.
By asking them to bow down and hear, he is recognizing that it takes desire and effort on the part of the student to learn. It should be a delight to them to hide these words in their heart (“within thee”) and equip themselves to share God’s truth with others. The more of God’s word we hide in our hearts, the more readily will His words of promise, comfort, encouragement and strength come to mind when we are most in need.
The word “excellent” makes reference to the highest rank and, interestingly, to thirds. I thought that was especially interesting in reference to the truth of God’s word, knowing God is a triune being.
Guzik quoting Waltke: “The ear is the exterior organ that receives the information and the heart is the interior organ that directs the whole body.”
Proverbs 22:22 ¶ Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
Proverbs 22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
These verses tell us that we are not to take advantage of the poor and needy; if we do, the LORD will avenge them. This is a truth that is little regarded in the culture of the day—both by individuals and by governments. The poor and needy are most often pawns to be used and abused by the rich and powerful in broadening their power base.
Henry: “It is bad to rob any man, but most absurd to rob the poor, whom we should relieve,—to squeeze those with our power whom we should water with our bounty,—to oppress the afflicted, and so to add affliction to them,—to give judgment against them, and so to patronise those that do rob them, which is as bad as if we robbed them ourselves. Rich men will not suffer themselves to be wronged; poor men cannot help themselves, and therefore we ought to be the more careful not to wrong them.”
Proverbs 22:24 ¶ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Proverbs 22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
These verses go hand-in-hand with those recorded by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
“communications” - The Greek refers to companionship.
We need to choose our friends and companions carefully. Peer pressure is a strong force, and the flesh is weak. Many a Christian has been ensnared in sin because they ignored this truth. There is a difference in having a presence in social situations that allow one to be a witness and establishing friendships with those of bad reputation. Jesus is the example we should follow. He did not avoid social contact with sinners; in fact, He took advantage of the opportunities that came His way to share God’s truth and His love for the lost. However, His close companions were those that chose to follow Him in faith.
Clarke: “From those with whom we associate we acquire habits, and learn their ways, imbibe their spirit, show their tempers and walk in their steps. We cannot be too choice of our company, for we may soon learn ways that will be a snare to our soul.”
Proverbs 22:26 ¶ Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
Proverbs 22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
These verses are a warning against serving as a co-signer, a guarantor on a loan for someone else. If they default and you are unable to pay, the creditors will take whatever assets you may have in payment.
Obviously, this is a word of warning—not a command. There are often times that parents or relatives will want to help those they love. Even then, however, one should not commit to more debt than they can readily pay off.
Proverbs 22:28 ¶ Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
The NLT states the truth more clearly: “Do not steal your neighbor’s property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors.”
To move the landmark to extend the boundaries of your own land is theft. In Israel, the primary boundaries for families were established when they took possession of the Promised Land. Moses warned the people of this very truth before he died; in fact, he declared a curse against anyone that did such.
Deuteronomy 19:14 “Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.”
Deuteronomy 27:17 “Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark.”
The principle of this teaching can be applied in other areas concerning the surreptitious abuse of the rights of others.
Ironside made a powerful spiritual application: “In this dispensation of grace the allotment of God’s people is heavenly, not earthly. Our inheritance is in the precious truth which He has committed to us. To remove the landmarks—the great distinguishing doctrines of Scripture—will be to incur the divine displeasure. Yet, unfortunately, many supposedly learned doctors are engaged in that wretched business today. No truth of Scripture is too sacred for their irreverent handling. Precious truths like those of atonement and justification by faith—even the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ—are, in their eyes, but common ideas, which they may dismiss or ignore as they please. But a day of reckoning is coming, when God will judge them in righteousness; and those who have been misled by their removal of ancient and venerable landmarks of God’s Word will curse them for the loss of their souls. Terrible will be the accounting of men who, while posing as instructors of the flock of Christ, have all the while been Satan’s instruments for overthrowing the saving truths of Scripture.”
Proverbs 22:29 ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Solomon is noting that those who prove themselves diligent and skillful in their work are those most likely to be chosen to serve the king or for other high profile positions.
Ironside: “The faithful life of Daniel is a good example of this godly diligence. He was a man who, whatever the changes of government, always came to the front, standing before kings.”
As Christians, we should do everything “as unto the LORD.” This means that we should be diligent in everything we do. His reward will be of far greater worth than any reward we may receive in this lifetime in light of our achievement.
Colossians 3:23–24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”