Proverbs 21:5

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 21:5

Commentary on Proverbs 21:1

(Read Proverbs 21:1)

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.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:2

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We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:3

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Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:4

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Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:5

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The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:6

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While men seek wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:7

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Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for ever.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:8

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The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:9

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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.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:10

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The evil desires of a wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:11

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The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:12

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Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers; they see there is a curse on them.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:13

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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.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:14

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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?

Commentary on Proverbs 21:15

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There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:16

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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.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:17

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A life of worldly pleasure brings ruin on men.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:18

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The righteous is often delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead, and so seems as a ransom for him.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:19

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Unbridled passions spoil the comfort of all relations.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:20

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The plenty obtained by prudence, industry, and frugality, is desirable. But the foolish misspend what they have upon their lusts.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:21

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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.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:22

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Those that have wisdom, often do great things, even against those confident of their strength.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:23

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It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:24

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Pride and haughtiness make men passionate; such continually deal in wrath, as if it were their trade to be angry.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:25-26

(Read Proverbs 21:25-26)

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.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:27

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When holiness is pretended, but wickedness intended, that especially is an abomination.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:28

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The doom of a false witness is certain.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:29

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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?

Commentary on Proverbs 21:30-31

(Read Proverbs 21:30-31)

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.