Proverbs:21

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* Verse 1 - The believer , perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit , like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases , seeks to have his own heart , and the hearts of others , directed in his faith , fear , and love .2 . We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions .3 . Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness .4 . Sin is the pride , the ambition , the glory , the joy , and the business of wicked men .5 . The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour .6 . While men seek wealth by unlawful practices , they seek death .7 . Injustice will return upon the sinner , and will destroy him here and for ever .8 . The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange . mhcc @Proverbs:21:9 . @ Verse 9 . -. It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the heart before God . For by prudence and patience , with constant prayer , the cross may be removed .10 . The evil desires of a wicked man 's heart , lead to baseness in his conduct .11 . The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked , and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught .12 . Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers ; they see there is a curse on them .13 . Such as oppress the poor by beating down wages , such as will not relieve according to their ability those in distress , and those in authority who neglect to do justice , stop their ears at the cry of the poor . But doubtless care is to be used in the exercise of charity .14 . If money can conquer the fury of the passions , shall reason , the fear of God , and the command of Christ , be too weak to bridle them ?15 . There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion .16 . Of all wanderers in the ways of sin , those are in the most dangerous condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness . Yet there is hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour ; but let them flee to him without delay .17 . A life of worldly pleasure brings ruin on men .18 . The righteous is often delivered out of trouble , and the wicked comes in his stead , and so seems as a ransom for him .19 . Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of all relations .20 . The plenty obtained by prudence , industry , and frugality , is desirable . But the foolish misspend what they have upon their lusts .21 . True repentance and faith will lead him that relies on the mercy of God in Christ , to follow after righteousness and mercy in his own conduct .22 . Those that have wisdom , often do great things , even against those confident of their strength .23 . It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted .24 . Pride and haughtiness make men passionate ; such continually deal in wrath , as if it were their trade to be angry .25 ,26 . Here is the misery of the slothful ; their hands refuse to labour in an honest calling , by which they might get an honest livelihood ; yet their hearts cease not to covet riches , pleasures , and honours , which cannot be obtained without labour . But the righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied .27 . When holiness is pretended , but wickedness intended , that especially is an abomination .28 . The doom of a false witness is certain .29 . A wicked man bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the rebukes of Providence . But a good man asks , What does God require of me ?30 ,31 . Means are to be used , but , after all , our safety and salvation are only of the Lord . In our spiritual warfare we must arm ourselves with the whole armour of God ; but our strength must be in the Lord , and in the power of his might . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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