Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 21

A king was the most powerful person in an ancient nation, and it seemed he could do anything he wanted. However, God guides the king's heart.

This proverb is almost exactly the same in Proverbs 16:2.

God wants worship to come from a sincere heart and lead to good actions (see Psalm 40:6–8; Micah 6:6–8).

Appearance (eyes), character (heart), and actions are all important. God dislikes pride (see Proverbs 6:17–18; 11:2; 13:10; 15:33; 16:18; 18:12).

The path of foolishness leads to death, while the road of wisdom leads to life.

A marriage that appears good from the outside, like in a beautiful home, is not fulfilling if it is full of arguments (see also Proverbs 21:19; 25:24; 27:15–17; compare 11:22; 12:4b). See the parallel passage in Proverbs 25:24

Evil people do not just do bad things; they are bad. No argument will change their behavior.

The simple-minded learn when they see a mocker punished (see Proverbs 1:22; 19:25). The wise do not need punishment threats because they already seek wisdom.

The Righteous One: God observes the wicked actions done in private and will punish them for their sins. Alternatively, the Righteous One could mean the wisdom of any righteous person.

God is fair, so he rewards good people and punishes bad ones. This is why good people love justice, and bad people fear it.

People with common sense can avoid life's dangers.

Spending on wine and luxury stops people from saving money. They choose to spend instead of save.

The wicked will get caught in the traps they set for others (Proverbs 26:27; see also 11:8).

Better to live in the desert: Compare Proverbs 21:9; 25:24.

See also to Proverbs 3:9–10, 15–16; 10:15, 16, 22; 14:24.

Righteousness and unfailing love are traits linked to Israel's agreement with God (see Exodus 34:5–7; Deuteronomy 7:9–11). The agreement promised life and honor to those who followed God's law (Deuteronomy 28:1–14).

A smart military planner can find ways to beat stronger armies. This shows that wisdom is better than just strength (compare Ecclesiastes 7:12; 9:13–18).

Mocker: See Proverbs 1:25–27 and 9:7–9. Also, see study note on Proverbs 1:22.

Generosity is a trait of the godly, while stinginess is a trait of fools (Proverbs 29:7, 14). Interestingly, the more you give, the more you receive (Proverbs 11:24).

Human wisdom is powerless against the Lord (see Proverbs 16:1, 3, 9, 33). Similarly, military power, symbolized by the horse, is powerless without the Lord's blessing.