FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Proverbs 21:28
KJVA false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
Read it in context
The King’s Heart
Start reading at Proverbs 21:1 (Proverbs 21:1 to Proverbs 21:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
- 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
- 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
- 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
- 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
- 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
- 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
- 21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
- 21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
- 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
- 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
- 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
- 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
- 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
- 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
- 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
- 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
- 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
- 21:18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
- 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
- 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
- 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
- 21:22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
- 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
- 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
- 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
- 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
- 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
- 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
- 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
- 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
- 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 10:1–21:31): The sayings instruct learners in Israel's wisdom tradition. The righteous, wicked, wise, foolish, rulers, and household members are examples or subjects of the sayings, not necessarily the immediate people being addressed. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The King’s Heart. Read Proverbs 21:1 through Proverbs 21:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The King’s Heart (Proverbs 21:1 to Proverbs 21:31). Start reading at Proverbs 21:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 21:1, Proverbs 21:31, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- false witness Prov 6:19 Prov 19:5,9 Prov 25:18 Exod 23:1 Deut 19:16-19
- the man Prov 12:19 Acts 12:15 2 Cor 1:17-20 2 Cor 4:13 Titus 3:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 21
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.