Proverbs 21 – if you haven’t read my thoughts on the book of Proverbs yet, you’ll want to do so here. This isn’t a comprehensive look at each verse, but it is how God spoke to me through particular chapter of His Word at this particular chapter in my life. I encourage you to read the full chapter in your own Bible first so you can see how God wants to speak to you through this chapter, and so you don’t miss out on the verses I didn’t cover. I hope it can speak to you as well, and I hope you are encouraged to seek Him in His Word. And if you missed Proverbs 20, you should also check that out here. Otherwise, on to Proverbs 21!

21:1 – The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases (NLT). Since we are kings in God’s kingdom (Revelation 1:6), then this applies to us! Prayer – God, thank you so very much that you know me intimately, and are so much bigger than me, and yet you care enough to direct my heart and shape my path. I give you my heart freely, to direct how you see fit.

21:2 – People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart (NLT). My prayer in response to this verse, also comes directly from God’s Word – Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life (NLT – Psalm 139:23-24).

21:3 – The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices (NLT). God is always, and has always been, after our hearts first. He doesn’t want us doing things for the sake of doing things. He’s not after behavior modification. He calls to us, heart to heart. And when we respond to that call, and assume that posture of first and foremost seeking his heart with our heart, our actions naturally begin to change.

21:4 – Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions lead to sin (NLT). Eyes for seeing, our heart for thinking, and actions for doing. Seeing leads to thinking, and thinking on something leads to doing. But sin isn’t limited to just a thing we do. Sin is a creature, lurking at our door and seeking to devour us (Genesis 4:7). But we can resist all of the above with God’s Word (James 4:7). Again, God is first and foremost after our hearts, not just the actions we do on the outside.

21:5 – The plans of the diligent lead only to abundance; but all who rush in arrive only at want (CJB). This verse cultivates so much patience in me. It is good to plan, and it is good to be diligent and disciplined in our planning, and doing, and dreaming. Rushing and lack of patience, however, arrives at still wanting what we wanted at the beginning, and a lot of wasted of time. Prayer – God, teach me how to make good plans, and how to act on those plans diligently and with discipline.

21:11 – When a scorner is punished, the simple become wiser; and when the wise is instructed, he takes hold of knowledge (CJB). Prayer – God, open my heart and mind to see and learn from others’ mistakes, and to also learn from instruction. Let me not lose the wisdom and knowledge I gain. Help me keep it close to my heart and ready on my lips.

21:12 – The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he brings the wicked to ruin (CSB). Love stands up for whomever it loves, by destroying what threatens to destroy whomever it loves. Prayer – God, thank you for the power behind your love for me.

21:13 – Whoever stops up his ears at the cry of the poor will himself cry, but not be answered (CJB). I think this Proverb is very poignantly described by Pastor Martin Niemöller, a German pastor and theologian who was imprisoned for his opposition to the Nazi regime. “First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.” Prayer – God, let me never stop listening to the needs of the poor and oppressed around me. Show me how and give me the strength to take action.

21:19 – It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife (NLT). Prayer – God, let me not be quarrelsome and complaining. And when I do start to act that way, gently show me my error and give me the strength to change and make amends with my husband for my behavior.

21:22 – The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust (NLT). God’s Word is powerful for the tearing down of strongholds in our lives (2 Corinthians 10:4). Proverbs can also be read as a powerful book for how to handle spiritual warfare.

21:27 – The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable – how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives (CSB). Yes, we are righteous in God’s eyes because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21), but this verse still gives me pause because I do not want to act like a wicked person. It particularly makes me think about my commitments and where I spend my time and resources. I’m obviously not performing the animal sacrifices under the Old Testament, but I am sacrificing my time. And for what purpose? What are my true motives? To feel good about myself? Because I feel like I’m supposed to? To make more friends? To be recognized as the best Bible study leader or volunteer or church event coordinator or praise and worship leader? Or do I sacrifice my time and resources to God because I love him and want to join with him to be his hands and feet to other people and affect others’ lives in a good way? These are questions I ask myself before I accept or commit to any new responsibilities or tasks. And sometimes I don’t like the answers I immediately have. But God is continually shaping me and showing me how to put my motivations in the right place. Prayer – God, continue to teach me and shape me to have and keep the right motivations for serving you.

21:28b – A credible witness will be allowed to speak (NLT). When we take the time to listen for the sake of understanding others, and we prove our loyalty and credibility, then we don’t have to be anxious that our voice won’t be heard. God promises that the credible witness will be allowed to speak. When we let our anxiety about not being heard get the best of us, we stop listening for understanding, interrupt others, and then begin to lose credibility, thus perpetuating the cycle of not being heard. Prayer – God, teach me to bide my time. Help me build credibility with others so I can have space to speak wise and good counsel that you have taught me.

21:29 – A wicked man puts on a bold face, whereas the upright prepares his ways (CJB). The fool and the wicked just bluff their way through situations. However, when we take the time to prepare our plans, and gather our research and facts, we can approach our plans with confidence that can be backed up with preparations and data.

21:30 – No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord (NLT). It is comforting to know that God is bigger than us and bigger than our plans.

21:31 – The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord (NLT). We must not neglect to prepare for our plans, but we must also not neglect to give glory to God for the success and victory he gives us. Prayer – God, thank you for the successes and victories you have brought into my life. Thank you for loving me so much and wanting me to succeed.

Friend, I have prayed these same prayers over you today. I pray you continually open your heart to learn, listen to others, see others, and fight for others.

Until next time,

– Just a girl pursuing her reflection in the mirror of God’s Word

Scripture quotations marked (CJB) are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are taken from the Christian Standard Bible® Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.