Purpose

To provide practical wisdom for daily living and teach the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.

Author

Primarily Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, who wrote 3,000 proverbs total. Also includes wisdom from Agur and King Lemuel, showing that wisdom comes from various sources.

Historical Context

Written: 970-700 BC. Solomon's wisdom teachings for his son and all who would learn to live skillfully.

Significance

Provides timeless principles for making wise decisions and living successfully according to God's design.

Key Themes

Wisdom, Character, Relationships, Work, Speech

Interesting Facts

• Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs, but only about 800 are included in this book
• Proverbs 31 describes the ideal woman - written by King Lemuel about his mother
• The book mentions 'wisdom' over 100 times

Prophecies

• Wisdom personified as calling to humanity (Proverbs 8) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) (1000 years later)

Proverbs Chapter 21 offers a collection of wise sayings attributed primarily to King Solomon, focusing on the importance of righteousness, justice, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. The chapter begins with a profound statement about the heart of the king being like a stream of water in the Lord's hand, emphasizing God's ultimate control over human decisions. This sets the tone for the entire chapter, underscoring the theme that human judgment is often flawed, as illustrated by verse two, which states that every man considers his own ways right, but it is God who weighs the heart. The chapter contrasts the behaviors and consequences of the righteous versus the wicked, highlighting the value of integrity and the danger of pride and hasty decisions. Verses three and four stress that doing righteousness and justice is more valuable than mere religious sacrifices, pointing towards the heart’s condition rather than external acts. The consequences of one’s actions are further explored through the imagery of diligence leading to abundance and the pitfalls of deceitful gain. A significant portion of the chapter addresses interpersonal relationships, particularly in verses nine and nineteen, which convey the message that it is better to live in isolation than to be in a contentious environment. The wisdom shared in this chapter is practical and applicable to daily life, encouraging readers to pursue wise living over foolishness. The final verses remind readers that true wealth is found in wisdom and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of material treasures. Overall, Proverbs 21 serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical standards expected of individuals and the importance of aligning one’s heart and actions with God’s will.

Purpose

To provide practical wisdom for daily living and teach the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.

Author

Primarily Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, who wrote 3,000 proverbs total. Also includes wisdom from Agur and King Lemuel, showing that wisdom comes from various sources.

Historical Context

Written: 970-700 BC. Solomon's wisdom teachings for his son and all who would learn to live skillfully.

Significance

Provides timeless principles for making wise decisions and living successfully according to God's design.

Key Themes

Wisdom, Character, Relationships, Work, Speech

Interesting Facts

• Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs, but only about 800 are included in this book
• Proverbs 31 describes the ideal woman - written by King Lemuel about his mother
• The book mentions 'wisdom' over 100 times

Prophecies

• Wisdom personified as calling to humanity (Proverbs 8) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) (1000 years later)

Proverbs Chapter 21 offers a collection of wise sayings attributed primarily to King Solomon, focusing on the importance of righteousness, justice, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. The chapter begins with a profound statement about the heart of the king being like a stream of water in the Lord's hand, emphasizing God's ultimate control over human decisions. This sets the tone for the entire chapter, underscoring the theme that human judgment is often flawed, as illustrated by verse two, which states that every man considers his own ways right, but it is God who weighs the heart. The chapter contrasts the behaviors and consequences of the righteous versus the wicked, highlighting the value of integrity and the danger of pride and hasty decisions. Verses three and four stress that doing righteousness and justice is more valuable than mere religious sacrifices, pointing towards the heart’s condition rather than external acts. The consequences of one’s actions are further explored through the imagery of diligence leading to abundance and the pitfalls of deceitful gain. A significant portion of the chapter addresses interpersonal relationships, particularly in verses nine and nineteen, which convey the message that it is better to live in isolation than to be in a contentious environment. The wisdom shared in this chapter is practical and applicable to daily life, encouraging readers to pursue wise living over foolishness. The final verses remind readers that true wealth is found in wisdom and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of material treasures. Overall, Proverbs 21 serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical standards expected of individuals and the importance of aligning one’s heart and actions with God’s will.