A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 21
Proverbs 21
On Life and Conduct
1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, because they refuse to act with justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, but as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the naïve becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, turning the wicked to ruin.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret subdues anger, and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.
24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, who acts with insolent pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he is craving, while 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 man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
29 A wicked man displays a bold face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD.
Reflection
In our human nature, we all think we know what is best for ourselves. It’s an innate part of who we are. However, most of the time, we aren’t that great at determining the best for ourselves. In verse 2 of today’s reading, we see that in the moment, everyone thinks his or her way is right. Ultimately, though, God is the one who determines right from wrong. That is why He gave us the Bible! We have a book full of truth and grace that helps us to make the best choices as we go through our lives.
Reflect
Some of the best things for us to pursue are righteousness and kindness. What does verse 21 say those who pursue those things will find?
What does verse 3 say God values?
Engage
What do you think it means that God weighs the heart?
If God loves us and wants the best for us (which He does), in what areas of your life do you need to trust Him?