21:1 in the hand of Yahweh Even though kings hold great power (Prov 14:28; 16:15; 20:2), they are ultimately under the jurisdiction of God’s power over the entire earth. See note on 29:26.

21:2 but Yahweh weighs hearts Ancients considered the heart to be the center of a person’s character (1 Sam 16:7).

Old Testament Anthropology

21:3 is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice Yahweh’s preference for righteousness over sacrifice is well attested in the ot (1 Sam 15:22; Jer 7:22–23; Hos 6:6). The prophets echo this emphasis on justice over sacrifice (Isa 1:11–17; Mic 6:6–8). Proverbs condemns the faulty sacrifices of the wicked (Prov 15:8).

21:4 the lamp of The Hebrew word used here may refer either to a lamp or plowing. If it signifies a lamp, the verse says that the very life of the wicked is sin. If it indicates plowing, it indicates that the wicked produce sin.

21:6 is a fleeting vapor and seeker of death Proverbs indicates that any wealth obtained through dubious measures is fleeting (10:2; 11:18; 20:17). Here, this kind of wealth is not just fleeting; it is destructive.

21:9 the corner of a roof Probably refers to a small guestroom on a flat roof (1 Kgs 17:19; 2 Kgs 4:10). It is better to live in isolation—separated from family—than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Proverbs 21:19 takes isolation even further and suggests that living in the desert is preferable to living with a quarrelsome woman.

21:10 evil The Hebrew word used here can refer to trouble or harm. The wicked person wishes harm on people (6:14; 11:27).

21:11 the simple will become wise The scoffer’s punishment serves as a warning to the simple. However, in contrast to the simple, scoffers do not respond (13:1; see note on 1:4; note on 1:22).

The Fool in Proverbs

21:12 The righteous The Hebrew expression used here may refer to God or to a righteous person who sees the wicked and declares that God will overthrow them. Compare Eliphaz in Job 5:3–4.

21:13 he also will cry out and not be heard Yahweh will repay generosity to the impoverished (Prov 14:21; 19:17). However, those who oppress the poor insult God (14:31; 17:5 and note); they will not receive any mercy.

21:14 A gift in secret will avert anger See note on 18:16.

21:16 the assembly of the dead The consequences for straying from the way of wisdom are more dire than they might seem in the moment. See 2:18 and note.

21:17 he who loves wine and oil Condemns gluttony and a life of self-indulgent consumption (v. 20).

21:19 to live in a land of wilderness Whereas other proverbs (Prov 21:9; 25:24) state that it is better to live on a rooftop than with a contentious wife, this proverbs intensifies the image by saying it is better to live in a desert or wilderness.

21:21 He who pursues righteousness Just as the person who pursues evil will find it (11:27), the person who seeks righteousness will find it.

will find life The reward for wisdom and righteousness is long life and success. See note on 3:2.

21:22 To a city of warriors, the wise ascends Wisdom is better than might and military strength (compare 11:14; 20:18; 24:5–6; Eccl 9:16, 18).

21:24 he acts with arrogance of pride The scoffer or mocker acts with such overwhelming pride that is infuriating. See note on Prov 1:22.

21:25 The craving of a lazy person will kill him Sluggards place preference on their sleep and prefer to be lazy (6:9–11). They refuse to work and look for excuses to stay inside (20:4; 26:13–14). Their laziness is depicted as ultimately leading to poverty and their death (10:4; see note on 6:9).

Topics in Proverbs Table

21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked A sacrifice that is insincere or made only to appear righteous. See note on 15:8.

21:28 A false witness will perish A false witness was to receive the same punishment as the accused (Deut 19:18–19).

21:30 to oppose Yahweh All human wisdom is frail and useless before Yahweh and His wisdom.

The book of Proverbs promotes human wisdom and considers it worthwhile for righteousness (Prov 11:14; 15:22; 20:18). However, it puts human wisdom in proper perspective: It is only found in the fear of Yahweh and it is always subject to God’s higher wisdom (1:7; 20:24).

21:31 but to Yahweh belongs the victory Yahweh—not human preparation—determines outcomes. See note on 20:24; note on Psa 20:7.