Westminster Annotations, Proverbs · Chapter 21
CHAP. XXI.
Vers. 1. THe kings heart is in the hand of the Lord] Though kings seem to have all things at command, yet are they not able to bring their own purposes to passe any otherwise then God hath appointed: much lesse are the infeferiours able.
as the rivers of water] As water is drawn in trenches this way or that way: or, as a boat in the water is easily turned this way or that way.
V. 2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes] Chap. 16. 2.
V. 3. To do justice and judgement, is more acceptable, &c.] 1 Sam.
15. 22. Chap. 15. 8. Isa. 1. 11. Hos. 6. 6. Mic. 6. 7, 8.
V. 4. An high look] Heb. haughtinesse of eyes.
An high look, and a proud heart, and, &c.] Chap. 6. 17.
the plowing of the wicked] Or, the light of the wicked.
the plowing of the wicked, is sin] A bad crop follows their plots, Job 4. 8.
V. 5. The thoughts of the diligent tend onelyonly to plenteousnesse] They that do their businesse wisely and carefully, shall thrive: they that do it rashly, shall not prosper.
V. 6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue, is a vanitie, &c.] Chap. 10. 2. and 13. 11.
V. 7. destroy them] Heb. saw them, or dwell with them.
because they refuse to do judgement] Unjust judges are robbers then, who poll others, to maintain their lusts.
V. 9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with, &c.] Chap. 19. 13. and 25. 24. and 27. 15.
a brawling woman] Heb. a woman of contentions: that is, a very contentious woman.
a wide house] Heb. an house of societie.
V. 10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil] James 4. 5.
findeth no favour] Heb. is not favoured.
V. 11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise] Chap. 19. 25.
V. 12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked] Observing Gods judgements on wicked mens families, he takes heed of their wicked ways.
but] Or, how.
V. 13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the crie of the poor, he also, &c.] Matth. 18. 30, &c.
he also shall crie himself, but shall not be heard] He shall crie as loud to God, in vain, as the poor did to him.
V. 14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger] Chap. 17. 8. and 18. 16. To do a pleasure to an angry man, in secret, pacifieth him.
V. 17. pleasure] Or, sport.
V. 18. The wicked shall be a ransome for the righteous] Chap. 11. 8. God shall cause that to fall on the wicked, which was intended against the just, by delivering the just, and putting the wicked in their places.
V. 19. It is better, &c.] Vers. 9.
in the wildernesse] Heb. in the land of the desert.
V. 20. and oil in the dwelling of the wise] Meaning, abundance of all things.
but a foolish man spendeth it up] His own treasure, not the godly mans.
V. 21. followeth after righteousnesse and mercy, findeth life, &c.] Chap. 15. 9.
V. 22. A wise man scaleth the citie of the mighty] Eccles. 9. 14, &c.
and casteth down the strength of the considence thereof] Wisedom overcometh strength, and stratagems in war win strong cities.
V. 23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles] Chap. 12. 13. and 18. 21.
his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles] Which bring others into such straits, that, like a man in a narrow room, they know not which way to turn themselves.
V. 24. in proud wrath] Heb. in the wrath of pride.
V. 25. The desire of the slothfull killeth him] Because he cannot attain desired food, he vexeth himself to death; and yet he will not work for it.
V. 26. but the righteous giveth, and spareth not] Psal. 112. 9. Hath enough for himself, and to relieve others daily, while the slothfull man pines.
V. 27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination] Psal. 50 9. Chap. 15. 8. Isa. 66. 3. Jer. 6. 20. Amos 5. 22.
with a wicked minde?] Heb. in wickednesse. Either thinking to satisfie God thereby for his sin, or that God will accept of it, notwithstanding his sin, Jer. 7. 9, 10. Mic. 6. 6, 7, 8.
V. 28. A false witnesse] Heb. a witnesse of lyes.
A false witnesse shall perish] Chap. 19. 5, 9.
ut the man that heareth, speaketh constantly] The true witnesse, that speaks no more then he heareth himself, shall be left alive to bear witnesse again, when God hath destroyed false witnesses, and shall be heard with credit.
V. 29. directeth] Or, considereth.
V. 30. There is no wisedom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the
Lord] Jer. 9. 23.
V. 31. The horse is prepared against the day of battel] Psal. 33. 17.
safety] Or, victory.
but safety is of the Lord] Psal. 3. 8. There was no trusting in humane policie, v. 30. nor strength, v. 31. Isa. 30. 1. and 31. 1.