Proverbs 21:2-5 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

Note, 1. We are all apt to be partial in judging of ourselves and our own actions, and to think too favourably of our own character, as if there was nothing amiss in it: Every way of a man, even his by-way, is right in his own eyes. 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. 2. We are sure that the judgment of God concerning us is according to truth. Whatever... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:3

Here, 1. It is implied that many deceive themselves with a conceit that, if they offer sacrifice, that will excuse them from doing justice, and procure them a dispensation for their unrighteousness; and this makes their way seem right, Prov. 21:2. We have fasted, Isa. 58:3. I have peace-offerings with me, Prov. 7:14. 2. It is plainly declared that living a good life (doing justly and loving mercy) is more pleasing to God than the most pompous and expensive instances of devotion. Sacrifices... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:4

This may be taken as showing us, 1. The marks of a wicked man. He that has a high look and a proud heart, that carries himself insolently and scornfully towards both God and man, and that is always ploughing and plotting, designing and devising some mischief or other, is indeed a wicked man. The light of the wicked is sin. Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory and joy, and the business of wicked men. 2. The miseries of wicked man. His raised expectations, his high designs, and most... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:5

Here is, 1. The way to be rich. If we would live plentifully and comfortably in the world, we must be diligent in our business, and not shrink from the toil and trouble of it, but prosecute it closely, improving all advantages and opportunities for it, and doing what we do with all our might; yet we must not be hasty in it, nor hurry ourselves and others with it, but keep doing fair and softly, which, we say, goes far in a day. With diligence there must be contrivance. The thoughts of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes ,.... This is repeated, from Proverbs 16:2 ; for the confirmation of it; and that it might be observed and taken notice of, and men be brought under a conviction of it; which is not easily done, it being what affects all men: every man is conceited of himself and his own way, and is not easily persuaded off of it; his sinful ways are agreeable to him promising him pleasure, profit, or honour; and his self-righteous ways suit with the vain... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:3

To do justice and judgment ,.... The moral duties of religion, what is holy, just, and good, which the law requires; what is agreeably to both tables, piety towards God, and justice to men; that which is just and right between man and man; which, especially if done from right principles and with right views, is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice ; not than any sacrifice; than the sacrifice of a broken heart, or the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, or of acts of goodness... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:4

An high look, and a proud heart ,.... The former is a sign of the latter, and commonly go together, and are both abominable to the Lord; see Psalm 101:5 . A man that looks above others, and with disdain upon them, shows that pride reigns in him, and swells his mind with a vain opinion of himself; this may be observed in every self-righteous man; the parable of the Pharisee and publican is a comment upon it; sometimes there may be a proud heart under a disguise of humility; but the pride of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:5

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness ,.... A man that is thoughtful and studious, and wisely forms schemes in his mind, and diligently pursues them; the issue of it is, generally speaking, prosperity and plenty: such a man is usually thriving and flourishing; and this holds good in things spiritual, as well as in things temporal, Matthew 25:29 ; but of everyone that is hasty only to want ; that is in haste to be rich, and is resolved to be so, right or wrong, he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 21:2

The Lord pondereth the hearts - Every man feels strongly attached to his own opinions, modes of acting, etc.; and though he will not easily give up any thing to the judgment of a neighbor, whom he will naturally consider at least as fallible as himself, yet he should consider that the unerring eye of God is upon him; and he should endeavor to see that what he does is acceptable in the eye of his Maker and Judge. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 21:3

To do justice and judgment - The words of Samuel to Saul. See note on 1 Samuel 15:23 . read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 21:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 21:3

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