📖 Proverbs — Chapter 21 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is Rright in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:4 RTAn high look, and a proud heart, and Tthe plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 21:5 The Rthoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Proverbs 21:6 The Rgetting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Proverbs 21:7 The Rrobbery of the wicked shall Tdestroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
Proverbs 21:8 The Rway of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
Proverbs 21:9 It is Rbetter to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with Ta brawling woman in Ta wide house.
Proverbs 21:10 The Rsoul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour Tfindeth no favour in his eyes.
Proverbs 21:11 When Rthe scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man Rwisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Proverbs 21:13 Whoso Rstoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Proverbs 21:14 A Rgift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
Proverbs 21:15 It is Rjoy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Proverbs 21:16 The man that Rwandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth Tpleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Proverbs 21:18 The Rwicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
Proverbs 21:19 It is Rbetter to dwell Tin the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Proverbs 21:20 There is Rtreasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Proverbs 21:21 He Rthat followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
Proverbs 21:23 RWhoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 21:24 Proud and Rhaughty scorner is his name, who dealeth Tin proud wrath.
Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
Proverbs 21:26 He Rcoveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Proverbs 21:27 The Rsacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it Twith a wicked mind?
Proverbs 21:28 TA Rfalse witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man Rhardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he Tdirecteth his way.
Proverbs 21:30 RThere is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
Proverbs 21:31 The Rhorse is prepared against the day of battle: but Tsafety is of the LORD.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Proverbs 21:1–11 — Motive, justice, and deceptive gain
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
God weighs hearts, including kings’ hearts. Justice is preferred to ritual used as cover, while lying wealth and scornful refusal end badly.
Key Truth: Choose justice over appearances.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “An high look, and a proud ____ , and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” (Proverbs 21:4)
Find it in Proverbs 21:4 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “The getting of treasures by a lying ____ is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that …” (Proverbs 21:6)
Find it in Proverbs 21:6 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “… made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth ____ .” (Proverbs 21:11)
Find it in Proverbs 21:11 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Proverbs 21:12–21 — Pursue mercy and understanding
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Wandering from understanding, ignoring need, and loving mere pleasure expose harmful priorities. Righteousness and mercy lead toward life and honor.
Key Truth: Pursue righteousness with mercy.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “The wicked shall be a ransom for the ____ , and the transgressor for the upright.” (Proverbs 21:18)
Find it in Proverbs 21:18 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “He that loveth pleasure shall be a ____ man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be …” (Proverbs 21:17)
Find it in Proverbs 21:17 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “He that followeth after ____ and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21)
Find it in Proverbs 21:21 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Proverbs 21:22–31 — Wisdom, generosity, and dependence
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Wisdom can overcome strength, generosity contrasts with craving, and no counsel can prevail against God. Prepared horses do not become the final source of safety.
Key Truth: Prepare responsibly while depending on God.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “A ____ man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down …” (Proverbs 21:22)
Find it in Proverbs 21:22 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “A ____ man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he …” (Proverbs 21:29)
Find it in Proverbs 21:29 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “The ____ is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is …” (Proverbs 21:31)
Find it in Proverbs 21:31 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Micah 6:8 — Justice, mercy, and humility belong together.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can your preparations include dependence rather than pride?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What challenges a man’s assumption that every way is right?
2. What is more acceptable than sacrifice in this comparison?
3. What reversal confronts someone who ignores the poor person’s cry?
4. Why does the slothful person’s desire fail him?
5. How are preparation and safety distinguished?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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