The Passage
Proverbs 21
[1] The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. [2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. [3] To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. [4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. [5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. [6] The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. [7] The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just. [8] The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright. [9] It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. [10] The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. [11] When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. [12] The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. [13] Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. [14] A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. [15] When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. [16] One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead. [17] Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. [18] The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright. [19] It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. [20] Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. [21] Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. [22] A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. [23] Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. [24] “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. [25] The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. [26] All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. [28] A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. [29] A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways. [30] No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Word Work
Ask and answer questions. Questions unlock new discoveries and meanings. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how. Jot down your answers to these questions
Word Thoughts:
This chapter allows an opportunity to address the paradox of justice and mercy (or grace). Many Christians assume the OT is about justice and that Jesus and the NT are about mercy and grace (cf. comment on 21:1–3; 21:10–18 [at vv. 12–13]). But a careful reading of Scripture simply will not allow for this hard distinction. This has important implications for how we think about the ways in which we govern our nations, communities, schools, and families with both justice and mercy.
God’s first preservation of humanity after the fall is accompanied by his promise of future rescue. It is a scene of justice followed by mercy (Gen. 3:15). So also, when Yahweh rescues Israel from Egypt, it is an act of justice against a corrupt regime, followed by God’s mercy to the nation of Israel (Deut. 7:7–9). And then when God reveals himself to a discouraged and despairing Moses in Exodus, he does so with judgment.
The NT brings about a transformation of this world order, but not one of grace against justice. Instead, God’s righteousness ceases to be revealed through Moses and his law and is supplanted by the life and work of Christ (Rom. 3:21). It is not as if justice merely goes away; instead, the punishment laid on Jesus serves to make God both “just and the justifier” (Rom. 3:26). The Mosaic era has passed away, but a new judge has made a definitive judgment on the world that is simultaneously an act of mercy. (1)
Word Reflection:
- What stood out?
- Can you think of times you have experienced judgement and mercy from God?
- How can you be advocates of judgement and mercy?
End in Prayer
Resources used:
- Expositors Bible Commentary