The Lord Considers The Heart

Proverbs 21:1-15 KJV

The Lord considers the heart

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,

But the Lord weighs the hearts.

To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

A haughty look, a proud heart, And the ploughing of the wicked are sin.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

The violence of the wicked will destroys them, Because they refuse to do justice.

The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.

Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbour finds no favor in his eyes.

When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.

A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

Lessons we can learn from Proverbs 21:1-15

1. A king is like a canal that God controls.

God leads the king in the way that he decides.

2. A man supposes that all his actions are right.

But God knows man’s secret thoughts.

3. Do the things that are right and fair!

This matters more to God than any gift.

4. They are proud when they think about themselves.

The actions of evil men is sinful.

5. When a person plans carefully, he will make a profit.

When a person acts too quickly, he tends to become poor.

6. A person who lies might make money.

However, his wealth will disappear like steam, his lies will cause his death.

7. The cruelty of wicked men will destroy them.

They refuse to do the right things.

8. A guilty man is like a traveller who chooses the wrong way.

An innocent man is like a traveller who chooses the right way.

9. One man lives in a small place of the house.

But this is better than a big house, if there is always arguing.

10. A wicked man wants to do evil things.

He is never kind to his neighbour.

11. Someone who insults other people should receive punishment then simple people will learn to be wise.

When you teach a wise man, he will gain knowledge.

12. God, who is good, notices the actions of a wicked man.

God, who is good, will ruin the wicked man for being wicked.

When a man does not listen to the cries of poor people.

Then nobody will listen to him, when he too cries for help.

14. A secret gift takes away a man’s anger.

A bribe (secret gift) in the pocket causes an angry man to be calm.

15. When a judge is fair, good men are happy.

But evil men will be destroyed.

Summary of Proverbs 15

Proverbs 21:1-15 Reminds us that human wisdom or understanding cannot outwit God, also the importance of prudence and moderation. The chapter also maintains that wicked deeds inevitably leads to devine punishment during a persons earthly life and at the end of the day victory lies in the hand of God.

I like verse 15 which echoes that it is a joy for the just to do justice: When a person is just (righteous, godly) in the inner man or woman, it enables them to do justly. Their good works flow out of who they are. For us to really walk in the way God wants us to walk, we need to be transformed on the inside.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2KJV

Destruction will come to those who work iniquity which shows what is in their heart, and it should make them tremble under the judgment of God. Instead of the joy the just recieves they will experience destruction.

Workers of iniquity: “Wicked men are great workmen; they put themselves to no small pains in ‘catering for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof’; yea, and this they do with singular delight.” (Trapp) and to their hurt.