Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21
Verses 1-31
CHAPTER 21
Pr 21:1-31.
1. rivers—irrigating channels (Ps 1:3), whose course was easily turned (compare De 11:10). God disposes even kings as He pleases (Pr 16:9; Ps 33:15).
Verses 2
2. (Compare Pr 14:2; 16:2-25).
Verses 3
3. (Compare Ps 50:7-15; Isa 1:11, 17).
Verses 4
4. high look—(Compare Margin; Ps 131:1).
proud heart—or, "heart of breadth," one that is swollen (compare Ps 101:5).
ploughing—better "lamp," a frequent figure for prosperity (Pr 20:20); hence joy or delight.
Verses 5
5. The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (compare Pr 19:2).
Verses 6
6. The getting—or, "what is obtained" (compare Job 7:2; Jer 22:13, Hebrew).
vanity … to and fro—as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind (compare Pr 20:17-21; Ps 62:10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory.
them … death—act as if they did (Pr 8:36; 17:19).
Verses 7
7. robbery—or, "destruction," especially oppression, of which they are authors.
shall destroy—literally, "cut with a saw" (1Ki 7:9), that is, utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind.
to do judgment—what is just and right.
Verses 8
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.
Verses 9
9. corner—a turret or arbor on the roof.
brawling—or contentious.
wide house—literally, "house of fellowship," large enough for several families.
Verses 10
10. So strongly does he desire to do evil (Ps 10:3; Ec 8:11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way.
Verses 11
11. (Compare Pr 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.
Verses 12
12. (Compare Ps 37:35-38; 73:17, 20).
house—family or interests.
overthroweth—either supply "God" (compare Pr 10:24), or the word is used impersonally.
Verses 13
13. The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Ps 18:26; Mt 7:1-12).
Verses 14
14. The effect of bribery (Pr 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.
Verses 15
15. But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.
Verses 16
16. the way of understanding—(Compare Pr 12:26; 14:22).
remain—that is, rest as at a journey's end; death will be his unchanging home.
Verses 17
17. Costly luxuries impoverish.
Verses 18
18. (Compare Pr 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 Jos 7:26; Es 7:9).
Verses 19
19. (Compare Pr 21:9).
wilderness—pasture, though uninhabitable ground (Ps 65:12).
Verses 20
20. The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and increase wealth, while fools
spend—literally, "swallow it up," greedily.
Verses 21
21. He who tries to act justly and kindly (Ps 34:14) will prosper and obtain justice and honor.
Verses 22
22. "Wisdom is better than strength" (Ec 7:19; 9:15).
strength … thereof—that in which they confide.
Verses 23
23. (Compare Pr 13:2, 3; Jas 3:6-10).
Verses 24
24. The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt.
Verses 25
25. desire—that is, of ease and idleness brings him to starvation.
Verses 26
26. The sin of covetousness marks the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous.
Verses 27
27. God regards the heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency.
wicked mind—or, "design" (Pr 1:4).
Verses 28
28. (Compare Pr 19:5).
that heareth—or heeds instruction, and so grows wise.
speaketh constantly—or sincerely (compare Hab 1:5), and hence is believed (Pr 12:19; Jas 1:19).
Verses 29
29. hardeneth his face—is obstinate.
directeth … way—considers it, and acts advisedly.
Verses 30
30, 31. Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid (Pr 19:21; Ps 20:7; 33:17).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.