Proverbs 21:21 - Exposition

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy. "Righteousness" ( tsedakah ) , in the first hemistich, signifies the virtue which renders to all, God and man, their due, which is the characteristic of the righteous man (see on Proverbs 15:9 ). "Mercy" ( chesed ) is the conduct towards others, animated by love and sympathy (see note on Proverbs 3:3 ). Findeth life, righteoushess, and honor. "Righteousness" here is the gift of God to his faithful servants, grace to live a holy life. This becomes habit, and forms the righteous character ( Job 29:14 ; Job 33:26 ). "Life" is a long and prosperous life in the world ( Proverbs 3:16 ); "honour" is respect and reverence among fellow men, and glory in another world. "Whom he justified, them he also glorified" ( Romans 8:1-39 :80). "Life and honour" stand together in Proverbs 22:4 . "The fear of the Lord," says Siracides, "is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing … maketh a merry heart … and giveth long life "( Ecclesiastes 1:11 , etc.). The LXX . omits the second "righteousness" by mistake: "The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory" ( Matthew 6:33 ).