The Sovereignty of God
Proverbs 21:1 states, The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. This verse reminds us of God's ultimate control over human affairs, including the decisions of leaders.

Righteousness and Justice
Verse 3 emphasizes, To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. God values our ethical conduct and fairness over ritualistic offerings.

The Futility of Human Plans
Proverbs 21:30 declares, No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail against the LORD. Human wisdom is limited and cannot thwart God’s purposes.

The Importance of Humility
Verse 4 warns, Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin. Pride leads to sin, while humility aligns us with God’s will.

The Power of Speech
Proverbs 21:23 advises, He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. Our words have the power to protect or harm us.Trust in God’s Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty, remember that God is in control. Pray for leaders and trust that God can guide their hearts.

Pursue Righteousness and Justice
Evaluate your actions and decisions. Are they aligned with God’s standards of righteousness and justice?

Submit Your Plans to God
Before making decisions, seek God’s guidance and wisdom, acknowledging that His plans are superior to ours.

Cultivate Humility
Reflect on areas of pride in your life. Ask God to help you develop a humble heart that seeks His glory above all.

Guard Your Speech
Be mindful of your words. Practice speaking with kindness and truth, avoiding gossip and slander.1. The King
Described as having a heart that is like "a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases" (Proverbs 21:1). This highlights the sovereignty of God over rulers, emphasizing that even a king's decisions are ultimately under divine control. The Hebrew word for king is "מֶלֶךְ" (melek).

2. The Righteous
Mentioned in contrast to the wicked, the righteous person is one who acts justly and whose conduct is pleasing to God. Proverbs 21:12 states, "The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin." The Hebrew word for righteous is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik).

3. The Wicked
This person is characterized by evil actions and intentions. Proverbs 21:4 says, "Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin." The Hebrew word for wicked is "רָשָׁע" (rasha).

4. The Lazy
Described as someone who desires but does not achieve due to a lack of effort. Proverbs 21:25 states, "The craving of the sluggard will kill him because his hands refuse to work." The Hebrew word for lazy or sluggard is "עָצֵל" (atzel).

5. The Wise
This person is characterized by understanding and prudence. Proverbs 21:20 notes, "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." The Hebrew word for wise is "חָכָם" (chakam).

6. The Fool
Contrasted with the wise, the fool is someone who lacks judgment and understanding. Proverbs 21:20 contrasts the wise with the fool, who "consumes" precious resources. The Hebrew word for fool is "כְּסִיל" (kesil).

7. The Scoffer
A person who mocks or ridicules, often resistant to correction. Proverbs 21:24 describes the scoffer as "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are his names; he acts with excessive pride." The Hebrew word for scoffer is "לֵץ" (lets).

8. The Poor
Mentioned in the context of justice and fairness. Proverbs 21:13 warns, "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." The Hebrew word for poor is "דָּל" (dal).

9. The Generous
This person is noted for their willingness to give and share. Proverbs 21:26 states, "All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint." The Hebrew word for generous is not directly mentioned, but the context implies generosity.1. House
Proverbs 21:9: "Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife."
The "house" here symbolizes a place of domestic life and family. In Hebrew, the word for house is "בַּיִת" (bayit), which can also imply a household or family unit. The verse emphasizes the value of peace and harmony within the home.

2. Roof
Proverbs 21:9: "Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife."
The "roof" represents a place of solitude and retreat. In ancient Hebrew culture, roofs were flat and often used as additional living space. The verse suggests that it is preferable to seek solitude than to endure constant conflict within the home.

3. Wilderness
Proverbs 21:19: "Better to live in the wilderness than with a contentious and ill1. The Sovereignty of God Over Kings
"The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
This verse emphasizes God's control over rulers, likening a king's heart to a stream of water that God can direct.

2. Righteousness and Justice
"All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." (Proverbs 21:2)
This highlights the importance of inner motives and God's ability to discern true righteousness beyond outward appearances.

3. The Value of Righteousness Over Sacrifice
"To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3)
This underscores the priority of ethical living over ritualistic offerings, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "tzedakah" (righteousness).

4. The Consequences of Pride
"Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin." (Proverbs 21:4)
Pride is identified as a sinful trait that leads to wickedness.

5. The Diligence of the Righteous
"The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)
This contrasts the outcomes of careful planning versus rash actions.

6. The Futility of Wickedness
"The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare." (Proverbs 21:6)
Ill-gotten gains are portrayed as temporary and dangerous.

7. The Destruction of the Wicked
"The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just." (Proverbs 21:7)
Wickedness leads to self-destruction due to a refusal to act justly.

8. The Way of the Guilty
"The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright." (Proverbs 21:8)
This contrasts the paths of the guilty and the innocent, with the latter being straightforward and honest.

9. The Contentious Woman
"Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife." (Proverbs 21:9)
This proverb highlights the discomfort of living with a contentious person.

10. The Destruction of the Wicked for the Righteous
"When the wicked are punished, the simple gain wisdom; when the wise are instructed, they acquire knowledge." (Proverbs 21:11)
Punishment of the wicked serves as a lesson for others, while the wise grow through instruction.

11. The Justice of God
"The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin." (Proverbs 21:12)
God, as the Righteous One, observes and ultimately judges the wicked.

12. The Generosity of the Righteous
"Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." (Proverbs 21:13)
This emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity.

13. The Joy of Justice
"Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 21:15)
Justice brings satisfaction to the righteous but fear to the wicked.

14. The Consequences of Wandering from Wisdom
"The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." (Proverbs 21:16)
Departing from wisdom leads to spiritual and possibly physical death.

15. The Love of Pleasure
"He who loves pleasure will become poor; he who loves wine and oil will never be rich." (Proverbs 21:17)
A warning against indulgence in luxury and excess.

16. The Ransom of the Wicked
"The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright." (Proverbs 21:18)
This suggests that the wicked may suffer consequences that spare the righteous.

17. The Contentious Woman Revisited
"Better to live in a desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife." (Proverbs 21:19)
Reiterates the discomfort of living with a quarrelsome spouse.

18. The Desirable Treasure of the Wise
"Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." (Proverbs 21:20)
The wise preserve resources, while the foolish squander them.

19. The Pursuit of Righteousness and Love
"He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor." (Proverbs 21:21)
Pursuing righteousness and love leads to a fulfilling life.

20. The Wise Man's Strength
"A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust." (Proverbs 21:22)
Wisdom is portrayed as more powerful than physical strength.

21. The Guarding of the Mouth
"He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress." (Proverbs 21:23)
Caution in speech protects from trouble.

22. The Proud and Arrogant
"The proud and arrogant man—'Mocker' is his name—acts with excessive pride." (Proverbs 21:24)
Pride and arrogance are condemned.

23. The Sluggard's Desires
"The craving of the sluggard will kill him because his hands refuse to work." (Proverbs 21:25)
Laziness leads to unfulfilled desires and ruin.

24. The Generosity of the Righteous
"All day long he is craving more, but the righteous give without restraint." (Proverbs 21:26)
The righteous are generous, contrasting with the insatiable desires of the lazy.

25. The Sacrifice of the Wicked
"The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!" (Proverbs 21:27)
Sacrifices from the wicked are abominable, especially with wrong motives.

26. The False Witness
"A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever." (Proverbs 21:28)
Truth endures, while falsehood leads to destruction.

27. The Wicked Man's Boldness
"A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure." (Proverbs 21:29)
The wicked are stubborn, while the upright are confident in their path.

28. The Lack of Wisdom in Human Plans
"There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD." (Proverbs 21:30)
Human wisdom cannot stand against God's purposes.

29. The Preparedness for Battle
"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD." (Proverbs 21:31)
Preparation is important, but ultimate success comes from God. God’s Sovereignty
Romans 13:1 - Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are appointed by God.

Righteousness and Justice
Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Humility
James 4:6 - But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'

Power of Speech
James 3:5-6 - Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. Pray for Wisdom
Ask God to grant you wisdom and discernment in your daily decisions.

Pray for Humility
Seek God’s help in cultivating a humble heart that honors Him.

Pray for Righteousness and Justice
Request God’s guidance in living a life that reflects His righteousness and justice.

Pray for Leaders
Intercede for those in authority, that God would direct their hearts and decisions according to His will.

Pray for Guarded Speech
Ask God to help you use your words to build up and encourage others, avoiding harmful speech.

May this study of Proverbs 21 inspire you to live a life that honors God, seeking His wisdom and guidance in all things.

1. How does Proverbs 21 demonstrate the concept of divine control over human affairs? Can you see parallels in modern society?

2. Analyze the statement "The King's heart is in the hand of the LORD." How can you apply this understanding to today's political leaders?

3. Discuss the assertion that righteousness and justice are more valuable to God than sacrifices. How can this inform your daily actions?

4. Why do you think the text refers to haughty eyes and a proud heart as the lamp of the wicked? How does this apply to today's culture of pride and self-promotion?

5. Reflect on the warnings about contentious and ill-tempered companions. How can this wisdom guide your relationships?

6. In what ways can you relate to the description of the righteous delighting in doing justice?

7. Discuss the implications of straying from wisdom and understanding. Can you identify examples in your life or the world around you?

8. What does the text mean when it says the one who strays from wisdom will reside in the assembly of the dead?

9. Reflect on the contrasting depictions of the wise and foolish in terms of their resources. How can this guide your financial stewardship?

10. How does Proverbs 21 highlight the virtues of wisdom, righteousness, and love? How can you cultivate these qualities?

11. What does the text teach about envy and greed? How can these insights inform your attitudes towards wealth and success?

12. Discuss the idea that human strength is meaningless in the face of divine judgment. How does this challenge societal views of power and victory?

13. What lessons can you learn from Proverbs 21 about dealing with difficult people or situations?

14. How can you apply the principles in Proverbs 21 to make wiser decisions in your personal or professional life?

15. Discuss how the wisdom in Proverbs 21 might influence your views on social justice and righteousness.

16. Reflect on the verse "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor." How can this inform your life goals?

17. How does Proverbs 21 guide you in understanding the importance of God's sovereignty amidst worldly powers?

18. What steps can you take to align your actions more closely with the principles of righteousness and justice outlined in Proverbs 21?

19. How does the theme of consequences of actions resonate with you in your personal experiences?

20. In what ways can the teachings of Proverbs 21 help you navigate the complexities of modern life?