Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Chapter 21
1
In the hands of the Lord, the heart of the king is like running water; he directs it wherever he wishes.
2
To man’s eyes, all his ways seem honest, but it is the Lord who examines the heart.
3
Doing what is right and just pleases the Lord more than sacrifice.
4
Haughty looks and a proud heart, the light of the wicked is sin.
5
The efforts of a dedicated man lead to earnings; poverty is for those who act too quickly.
6
Building a fortune through deception is like chasing the wind; the outcome is death.
10
The wicked person’s soul craves only evil; not even his friend receives compassion.
11
When the mocker is punished, the ignorant man becomes wise; when the wise man is taught, he gains more knowledge.
12
The Just One observes the house of the evildoer and casts the wicked into misfortune.
13
He who ignores the poor man’s cry won’t be heard when he calls out himself.
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.