Proverbs
Chapter 21
In the hands of the Lord, the heart of the king is like running water; he directs it wherever he wishes.
To man’s eyes, all his ways seem honest, but it is the Lord who examines the heart.
Doing what is right and just pleases the Lord more than sacrifice.
Haughty looks and a proud heart, the light of the wicked is sin.
The efforts of a dedicated man lead to earnings; poverty is for those who act too quickly.
Building a fortune through deception is like chasing the wind; the outcome is death.
Their violence carries away the wicked because they refuse to practice justice.
The path of the criminal is deceptive, but the ways of the innocent person are honest.
A corner of a barn makes a better home than a house shared with a quarrelsome woman.
The wicked person’s soul craves only evil; not even his friend receives compassion.
When the mocker is punished, the ignorant man becomes wise; when the wise man is taught, he gains more knowledge.
The Just One observes the house of the evildoer and casts the wicked into misfortune.
He who ignores the poor man’s cry won’t be heard when he calls out himself.
A subtle gift calms anger; a bribe distracts violent rage.
Upright men rejoice when justice prevails, but wrongdoers tremble.
He who abandons the path of prudence will find himself among the shadows.
Pleasure seekers stay poor; those who love wine and perfume will never become wealthy.
The wicked man will pay for the virtuous and the treacherous man, for the honest.
It’s better to live in a desolate place than with a furious and abusive woman.
There is oil and precious treasure in the wise man’s house, things which the fool squanders.
Those who pursue justice and mercy will earn life, prosperity, and honor.
The wise man defeats a city of warriors and destroys the walls they rely on.
He who watches his mouth and tongue avoids suffering.
“Mocker” is the name of someone who is arrogant and haughty, in whom pride abounds.
The idler’s desires lead him to death because his hands refuse to work.
He covets all day long while the upright man gives generously.
The Lord despises the sacrifice of the wicked, especially when they offer it for an unjust cause.
The lying witness will perish, but he who listens wisely will be given time to speak.
The wicked man tries to seem strong and steady while the honest man affirms his path.
No amount of wisdom, prudence, or advice can withstand the Lord’s gaze.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but it is the Lord who gives victory.
Commentaries
Second Collection – Proverbs of Solomon.
The core and oldest part of the book begins with the title “Proverbs of Solomon.” In reality, scholars place this section shortly after the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC). Babylon had already entered Jewish territory, and violence increased daily. During this crisis, a group of wise men compiled a series of sayings and proverbs, some moral and others legislative, aiming to encourage the community and teach that the righteous—those who believe in the Lord and truly love him—will not suffer violence or death. Throughout this section, wisdom calls for conversion and justice, as well as the experience of poverty.
Second Collection.
Once again, the king’s behavior sets a standard for the rest of the people. But that behavior must be prompted by God himself; therefore, the king must be a man completely submissive to the Lord, making his heart a conduit for the Lord to give him the guidance he desires (1), which always involves justice.
Second Collection.
The central theme of this segment is good discernment leading to the happiness we are all meant to have. Notice how the key object of discernment is prudence, which is the foundation of life; the unwise have no real life, “they will rest in the assembly of the dead” (16). This is another important lesson the teacher of wisdom offers to help us improve our quality of life.
Second Collection.
When we do not know how to control our desires, we distort and ruin the project of harmony and justice on which God wants our entire life and the life of all creation to depend.