21:11,12lt is usually better to ‘earn from the mistakes of others than from our own. We can do this by observing other people's lives and listening to their advice. Take counsel from others instead of plunging ahead and learning the hard way.
Life Application Study BibleProverbsChapter 21
Proverbs 21
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041
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21Proverbs 21
12 1 1The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD;he guides it wherever he pleases.
2People may be right in their own eyes,but the LORD examines their heart.
3The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and justthan when we offer him sacrifices.
4Haughty eyes, a proud heart,and evil actions are all sin.
5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6Wealth created by a lying tongueis a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.*
7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,because they refuse to do what is just.
8The guilty walk a crooked path;the innocent travel a straight road.8 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an atticthan with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10Evil people desire evil;their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser. 12The Righteous One* knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poorwill be ignored in their own time of need.
14A secret gift calms anger;a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15Justice is a joy to the godly,but it terrifies evildoers.
16The person who strays from common sensewill end up in the company of the dead.
17Those who love pleasure become poor;those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18The wicked are punished in place of the godly,and traitors in place of the honest.
19It’s better to live alone in the desertthan with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20The wise have wealth and luxury,but fools spend whatever they get.
21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing lovewill find life, righteousness, and honor.
22The wise conquer the city of the strongand level the fortress in which they trust.
23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,and you will stay out of trouble.
24Mockers are proud and haughty;they act with boundless arrogance.
Proverbs often compares the life-styles of the wicked and the righteous, and makes a strong case for living by God’s pattern. The advantages of righteous living and the disadvantages of wicked living are pointed out. The kind of person we decide to be will affect every area of our lives. 2 2 1 Choose a good reputation over great riches;
Textual footnotes
- 21:6 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads mist for those who seek death.
Life Application Notes 5 notes
21:13We should work to meet the needs of the poor and Protect their rights, for it is always possible that someday we may find ourselves in their place.
21:20This proverb is about saving for the future. Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankruptcy. The desire to keep up appearances and to accumulate more drives them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit. But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford. A wise person puts money aside for hard times. God approves of foresight and restraint. God's people need to examine their life-styles to see whether their spending is God-pleasing or merely self-pleasing.
21:27The kind of worship (“sacrifice”) described in this proverb is no better than a bribe. How do people try to bribe God? They may go to church, tithe, or volunteer, not because of their love and devotion to God, but because they hope God wil! bless them in return. But God has made it very clear that he desires obedience and love more than religious ritual (see 21:3; 1 Samuel 15:22). God does not want our sacrifices of time, energy, and money alone; he wants our heart—our complete love and devotion. We may be able to bribe people (21:14), but we cannot bribe God.
21:31This proverb refers to preparing for battle. All our preparation for any task is useless without God. But even with God’s help we still must do our part and prepare. His contro! of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities. God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write. God may want to use you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language. God will accomplish his purposes, and he will be able to use you if you have done your part by being well prepared.
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Study feature · page 1039
21:12 Or The righteous man.
Study feature · page 1040
RIGHTEOUSNESS
25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Wicked Fearful Even their kindness is cruel Don’t understand justice Covered with violence Plot evil Put up a bold front Brought down by calamity Hate the honest Headed for destruction Lead others into sin Walk a crooked road Plot violence Others hide when they rise to power Unconcerned about the poor Despise the godly Swept away Trapped by evil ambitions
Righteous Hopeful Concerned about the welfare of God’s creation Understand justice Showered with blessings Proceed with care Persevere against evil Seek out the honest Are respected Walk a straight road Are not to desire the company of godless people Others are glad when they succeed Care for the poor Despise the unjust Stand firm Rescued by godliness
Outlook on life
Response to life
How they are seen by others
Quality of life
Study feature · page 1041
AND WICKEDNESS
Quality of life (cont.)
Righteous No real harm befalls them Income results in treasure Avoid evil Are bold as lions Will be rescued Walk safely Chased by blessings God protects them Evil people will bow to them
Wicked Constant trouble befalls them Income results in trouble Will not prosper Are fearful constantly Will be suddenly destroyed Will slip and fall Chased by trouble God destroys them Will bow to the righteous Will be punished for rebellion Removed from the land Reward will not last Find death Look forward to judgment Will die and disappear Crushed by their sins Detests those with crooked hearts
Reference 12:21 15:6 16:17 17:20 28:1 28:18 10:9 13:21 10:29 14:19 W711 10:30 11:18 11:19 41:23 12:7 14:32 11:20
Short-term results Long-term results
Eternal expectations
Never disturbed Reward will last Find life Look forward to reward Will stand firm Have a refuge when they die Delights in those with integrity
God's opinion of them
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