Proverbs 21:3

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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 21:1-3

The providence and government of God I. THE DIVINE CONTROL OF HUMAN PURPOSES . ( Proverbs 21:1 .) As the streams of water are led by canals and trenches through the land, that it may be refreshed and fructified, so are the thoughts and counsels of the ruler, if wise and true, a means of strength and blessing to the people. And all such wise counsels are of God. He forms and turns the purposes of the heart, as the potter with the clay. To Cyrus he says, "I have called thee by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 21:3

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. The superiority of moral obedience to ceremonial worship is often inculcated (see note on Proverbs 15:8 , and below, Proverbs 15:27 ; and comp. Micah 6:6-8 and Matthew 12:7 ). "Justice" and "judgment" ( tsedakah and mishpat ) are combined in Genesis 18:19 ; 2 Samuel 8:15 ; Job 37:23 ; Isaiah 56:1 , etc. They imply equity and justice proceeding, not from bare regard to law, but from the principle... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 21:3

Devotion and duty It is certainly noticeable that this truth should be expressed by Solomon. For the one great work of his life was the erection of the temple wherein sacrifice should be offered to the Lord. He might have been excused if his leaning had been toward the ceremonial rather than the moral. But he was not the first Hebrew thinker to give utterance to the idea. It is interesting to trace— I. ITS HISTORY IN HEBREW THOUGHT . We find: 1 . Samuel holding this view,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 21:2-3

Proverbs 21:2-3. Every way of a man, &c. See on Proverbs 16:2, where this same thing was declared. To do justice and judgment The conscientious performance of all our duties to men; is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice Than the most costly outward services offered to God, joined with the neglect of religious and moral duties to God or men: see 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:7-8. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:1-31

God at work in people’s lives (21:1-31)As God directs the course along which a stream flows, so he guides the decisions of national rulers according to his plan (21:1). God knows people’s motives and he will not accept their sacrifices if their thoughts and actions are wrong (2-4). Prosperity that comes through diligence is a fitting reward, but prosperity that comes through greed, lying and violence is a deadly trap (5-8). Some people make life unpleasant for those who live in the same house,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 21:3

justice = righteousness. more acceptable, &c. Illustrations: Saul (1 Samuel 13:10-13 ; 1 Samuel 15:22 ); Israel (Jeremiah 7:22 , Jeremiah 7:23 .Amos 5:21-24; Amos 5:21-24 ); Judah (Isaiah 1:11-17 ); Pharisees (Matthew 9:13 ). Note the contrast, Proverbs 21:4 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 21:3

"To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice." Both the Old Testament and the New Testament stress the truth stated here. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). "Ye tithe mint, anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy and truth" (Matthew 23:23). read more

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