21:1 The a king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the
rivers of water: he turneth it wherever he will.
(a) Though kings seem to have all things at commandment,
they are not able to bring their own purposes to pass
unless God has appointed: much less are the inferiors
able.
21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the b plowing of
the wicked, [is] sin.
(b) That is, the thing by which he is guided or which he
brings forth as the fruit of his work.
21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness;
but of c every one [that is] hasty only to want.
(c) He who goes rashly about his business and without
counsel.
21:7 The d robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because
they refuse to do judgment.
(d) He means this chiefly of judges and princes who leave
that calling, to which God has called them, and
impoverish their subjects to maintain their lusts.
21:11e 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 f considereth the house of
the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their]
wickedness.
(f) Though the godly admonish them both by words and
example of life, yet the wicked will not amend, till
God destroys them.
21:14 A g gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the
bosom strong wrath.
(g) To do a pleasure to the angry man pacifies him.
21:18 The h wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and
the transgressor for the upright.
(h) God will cause that to fall on their own heads, which
they intended against the just by delivering the just,
and putting the wicked in their places.
21:20 [There is] a treasure to be desired and i oil in the
dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
(i) Meaning, abundance of all things.
21:22 A k wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and
casteth down the strength of its confidence.
(k) Wisdom overcomes strength and confidence in worldly
things.
21:25 The desire of the slothful l killeth him; for his hands
refuse to labour.
(l) He thinks to live by wishing and desiring all things,
but will make no effort to get anything.
21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth m
speaketh constantly.
(m) He may boldly testify the truth that he has heard.
