Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role
Proverbs 21:1-31
Pro.21.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פלגי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יחפץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יטנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 16:9 (verbal): Both speak of human intention versus divine direction — 'the heart/plans of a man' contrasted with the LORD guiding or directing steps/heart.
- Proverbs 19:21 (thematic): Shared theme that human plans are subordinate to the counsel/will of the LORD, who ultimately establishes what shall stand.
- Psalm 33:10-11 (thematic): Affirms God’s sovereignty over the purposes of nations and rulers — the LORD frustrates human plans while his counsel endures, paralleling divine control over a king’s heart.
- Jeremiah 17:10 (allusion): Emphasizes Yahweh’s knowledge and governance of the heart and mind, underscoring that God searches, tests, and determines the inclinations of people, like the king’s heart in Prov 21:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he pleases.
- The king's heart is like streams of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he pleases.
Pro.21.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישר: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ותכן: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לבות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:15 (verbal): Shares wording and idea—'the way of a fool is right in his own eyes' echoing 'every way of a man is right in his own eyes,' contrasting human self-judgment with wisdom.
- Proverbs 14:12 (thematic): Common theme that a course may seem right to people even though it leads to harm—underscores human misjudgment of paths and outcomes.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (structural): Contrasts human assessment with God's—'man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,' paralleling God's evaluation of inner motives in Prov 21:2.
- Jeremiah 17:9-10 (verbal): Jeremiah expressly describes the deceitfulness of the heart and states that Yahweh searches and tests the heart—directly parallels 'the LORD weighs the hearts.'
- Psalm 139:23-24 (thematic): Invokes God's intimate knowledge and examination of the inner life—'search me, O God... know my heart' resonates with the idea that God assesses hearts beyond outward self-assessment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Every way of a man seems right to him, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
- Every way of a man seems right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
Pro.21.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צדקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומשפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבחר: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:22 (verbal): Samuel: 'To obey is better than sacrifice'—direct verbal parallel contrasting ritual sacrifice with the ethical demand of obedience/righteousness.
- Hosea 6:6 (verbal): God: 'For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice'—explicit preference for covenantal fidelity/mercy over ritual offerings, echoing Proverbs' valuation of justice.
- Psalm 51:16-17 (thematic): 'You do not delight in sacrifice... a broken spirit'—theme that God values inner repentance and righteousness more than external sacrifice.
- Amos 5:21-24 (thematic): God rejects festivals and offerings while calling for justice: 'Let justice roll down like waters'—strong prophetic parallel condemning empty ritual and requiring justice.
- Micah 6:6-8 (thematic): The prophet asks what the LORD requires and answers with doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly—summarizes the ethical requirements that outweigh ritual sacrifice.
Alternative generated candidates
- To do righteousness and justice is what the LORD prefers to sacrifice.
- To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Pro.21.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עינים: NOUN,f,du,abs
- ורחב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חטאת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 6:16-17 (verbal): Lists 'haughty eyes' (or a proud look) among the things the LORD hates—direct verbal parallel to the 'high eyes' of Prov 21:4.
- Proverbs 16:5 (thematic): Declares that everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD, reflecting the moral judgment on haughtiness in Prov 21:4.
- Proverbs 29:23 (thematic): States that pride brings a person low, echoing the proverb's warning about the sinful nature and consequences of a proud, lofty heart.
- James 4:6 (thematic): 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble' — New Testament application of the same principle condemning pride found in Prov 21:4.
- 1 Peter 5:5 (thematic): Admonishes believers to clothe themselves with humility because God resists the proud, paralleling the Proverbs critique of exalted, arrogant attitudes.
Alternative generated candidates
- High eyes and a proud heart—the very light of the wicked is sin.
- Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the lamp of the wicked is sin.
Pro.21.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מחשבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חרוץ: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אך: PART
- למותר: PREP+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אך: PART
- למחסור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 10:4 (verbal): Contrasts diligence and sloth in direct economic terms: lazy hands = poverty, diligent hands = wealth, echoing Prov 21:5's link of careful planning/diligence to abundance and haste to lack.
- Proverbs 13:4 (thematic): Opposes the sluggard's unmet desires with the diligent's provision, reinforcing the theme that sustained effort/planning yields prosperity while idleness or rashness brings want.
- Proverbs 14:23 (thematic): Asserts that honest toil produces profit whereas mere talk leads to poverty, paralleling Prov 21:5's emphasis on productive, prudent planning versus hurried action leading to lack.
- Ecclesiastes 11:4 (thematic): Warns that timid waiting for perfect conditions prevents sowing/reaping—a caution against hesitation/overcaution that undermines gain, related to Prov 21:5's focus on effective planning and the dangers of misdirected haste.
- Luke 14:28 (thematic): Jesus' example of calculating cost before building parallels the wisdom of deliberate planning in Prov 21:5, contrasting prudent foresight with impulsive undertakings that lead to failure.
Alternative generated candidates
- The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance; everyone who is hasty comes only to want.
- The plans of the diligent lead to abundance; everyone who is hasty comes only to want.
Pro.21.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אוצרות: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בלשון: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נדף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מבקשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
Parallels
- Prov.10:2 (verbal): Both condemn treasures gained by wickedness/false speech and contrast such gain with the deliverance that righteousness brings (profitless/vanity of ill‑gotten gain).
- Prov.11:4 (verbal): Echoes the idea that riches cannot save in the day of wrath and that righteousness, not wealth (especially ill‑gotten wealth), delivers from death.
- Jer.17:11 (thematic): Links unjustly acquired riches with shame, futility and ruin—ill‑gotten wealth proves fleeting and leads to a disastrous end.
- Matt.6:19-21 (thematic): Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures because they are transient; emphasizes the futility of placing ultimate trust in wealth rather than in enduring, righteous priorities.
- James 5:1-6 (thematic): Condemns those who amass wealth by oppression and wrongdoing, pronouncing judgment and loss—parallels the moral and eschatological consequences of ill‑gotten gain.
Alternative generated candidates
- Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor for those who seek death.
- Ill-gotten treasures gathered with a lying tongue are a fleeting breath for those who seek death.
Pro.21.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יגורם: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- כי: CONJ
- מאנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 10:1-2 (thematic): Condemns those who enact unjust laws and deprive the needy of justice—parallels Proverbs' link between the wicked and the oppression/marginalization of the poor.
- Psalm 82:3-4 (thematic): Calls for defending the poor and rescuing them from the hand of the wicked—contrasts the duty to do justice with the result when rulers refuse it, as in Prov.21:7.
- Proverbs 22:22-23 (verbal): Directly warns against exploiting the poor and promises that the LORD will champion their cause, echoing Proverbs' concern about the fate of the needy under wicked oppressors.
- Micah 3:9-11 (allusion): Accuses leaders of perverting justice and devouring the people—parallels the motif of officials/violent ones causing the poor to suffer because they refuse to administer right judgment.
- Amos 8:4-6 (thematic): Denounces those who trample the needy and manipulate markets to the poor's harm—another prophetic critique of social/ economic practices that force the marginalized into destitution.
Alternative generated candidates
- The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, for they refuse to act justly.
- Violence will be the spoil of the wicked, for they refuse to do what is right.
Pro.21.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הפכפך: ADJ,m,sg,def
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזך: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ישר: ADJ,m,sg
- פעלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 4:18-19 (thematic): Contrasts the way of the righteous (bright, progressive path) with the way of the wicked (darkness), echoing the opposition between a perverse way and a straight/upright course.
- Proverbs 11:5 (verbal): Speaks of the righteousness of the blameless keeping his way straight—language and idea closely parallel to the pure whose conduct is right.
- Psalm 1:6 (thematic): Contrasts the fate/standing of the righteous and the wicked by way imagery—'the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish,' similar moral opposition of paths.
- Isaiah 26:7 (verbal): Declares 'the way of the righteous is level' (or straight), using the same motif of a rightly ordered path to describe the upright, paralleling the depiction of the pure whose way is straight.
Alternative generated candidates
- The crooked way of the wicked is perverse; the conduct of the upright is straight.
- The crooked in their way are perverse, but the blameless act uprightly.
Pro.21.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- לשבת: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- פנת: NOUN,f,pl,construct
- גג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאשת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,constr
- מדינים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- חבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 21:19 (verbal): Nearly identical proverb in the same chapter—contrasts living in a desolate place with dwelling alongside a contentious wife.
- Proverbs 25:24 (verbal): A parallel/duplicate saying in the Solomonic Proverbs collection: better to live on a housetop corner than with a quarrelsome wife in a large house.
- Proverbs 27:15 (thematic): Compares a contentious woman to an irritating, unending nuisance (dripping), similarly emphasizing the intolerability of domestic strife.
- Proverbs 17:1 (thematic): Contrasts quiet, sparse living with a house full of strife—same theme that solitude/poverty is preferable to a home marked by conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- Better to sit on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
- Better to sit on a corner of the roof than to live with a quarrelsome wife in a wide house.
Pro.21.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אותה: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יחן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 29:10 (thematic): Both describe hostile disposition of the wicked toward the blameless/neighbour—wickedness expressed as hatred or seeking harm against others.
- Proverbs 10:12 (thematic): Contrasts love and hatred toward others; highlights how hostile feelings (hatred) produce harm—parallel to a wicked soul finding no favor in his neighbour's eyes.
- Proverbs 3:29 (thematic): An explicit admonition not to devise evil against a neighbour; thematically contrasts the proverb’s observation that the wicked delight in evil toward others.
- Leviticus 19:18 (structural): The command to love one’s neighbour as oneself serves as the ethical counterpoint to the proverb’s depiction of the wicked who harbor ill will toward their neighbour.
- Psalm 10:3-4 (thematic): Portrays the wicked person’s arrogant, self‑seeking mind and disregard for others/God, echoing the proverb’s picture of one who delights in evil and treats neighbours without favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
- The soul of the wicked desires evil; he finds no delight in his neighbor.
Pro.21.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בענש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחכם: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg
- פתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובהשכיל: CONJ+PREP+VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- לחכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקח: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.19:25 (verbal): Near-verbal parallel: 'Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wise; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge'—almost identical wording and parallel thought.
- Prov.9:8 (thematic): Contrasts treatment of scoffers and the wise: 'Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you'—related theme of how correction affects different types of people.
- Prov.29:15 (thematic): Links discipline and wisdom: 'The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame'—emphasizes corrective discipline producing wisdom/learning.
- Prov.26:3 (verbal): Uses similar disciplinary imagery: 'A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools'—associates physical correction with controlling/teaching the fool.
Alternative generated candidates
- By the discipline of the scoffer the simple become wise; by the instruction of the discerning one a man gains knowledge.
- When a scoffer is rebuked the naive become wise; instruction given to the wise increases their understanding.
Pro.21.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משכיל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מסלף: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:33 (verbal): Uses the same house-contrast language (house/dwelling of the wicked vs the righteous) and reflects divine disposition toward each household, paralleling the phraseology of Prov 21:12.
- Proverbs 11:21 (thematic): Contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked—like Prov 21:12 it affirms that the wicked will receive fitting retribution while the righteous are vindicated.
- Psalm 37:12-15 (thematic): Describes the wicked plotting against the righteous but being cut off/overthrown; parallels the motif of the righteous witnessing or bringing about the ruin of the wicked.
- Psalm 34:16-17 (thematic): Affirms that God’s face is against evildoers and that the righteous are heard and delivered, echoing the idea that the wicked are overthrown while the righteous are upheld.
Alternative generated candidates
- A prudent righteous person watches the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked for their evil.
- The discerning righteous sees the house of the wicked and brings the wicked low.
Pro.21.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אטם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אזנו: NOUN,f,sg,suff
- מזעקת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- דל: ADJ,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יקרא: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יענה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 15:7–11 (thematic): Commands Israelites not to harden their heart or close their hand to the poor and emphasizes open-handedness toward needy—parallel ethical concern and warning about ignoring the poor.
- Proverbs 14:31 (thematic): Affirms that mistreatment or neglect of the poor brings divine disapproval, echoing Proverbs’ theme that ignoring the needy has moral and practical consequences.
- Isaiah 58:10–11 (thematic): Contrasts the blessing that comes from attending to the hungry and oppressed with the fate of those who fail to respond—connects communal responsibility and divine response.
- Matthew 25:41–46 (allusion): Jesus’ judgment on those who neglected the hungry and needy (the ‘least’) resonates with Proverbs’ warning that refusal to help the poor invites condemnation and lack of deliverance.
- James 2:15–17 (thematic): Condemns faith that does not provide for bodily needs (food, clothing) of brothers and sisters—parallels the moral rebuke of ignoring cries of the poor and the expectation of responsive care.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be answered.
- Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also cry and not be answered.
Pro.21.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בסתר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יכפה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- ושחד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עזה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 18:16 (verbal): Both verses depict a gift as instrumental in gaining access or favor—gifts open a way and can pacify or win over powerful people, echoing the persuasive effect of a secret gift in Prov 21:14.
- Proverbs 17:8 (verbal): Uses similar imagery of a gift/bribe as a valuable, persuasive token that secures advantage or prosperity, paralleling Prov 21:14’s concern with gifts affecting disposition and outcomes.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 (thematic): Directly warns against accepting bribes because they pervert justice; thematically relates to Prov 21:14’s observation about the powerful influence of gifts and bribes on anger and judgment.
- Exodus 23:8 (thematic): States that taking a bribe blinds the eyes and perverts the cause of the righteous—echoing the Proverbs theme that gifts/bribes distort responses and decisions (including pacifying or inflaming anger).
Alternative generated candidates
- A gift given in secret quiets anger; a bribe concealed in the bosom appeases great wrath.
- A gift given in secret appeases anger; a bribe hidden in the fold stirs up great wrath.
Pro.21.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לצדיק: PREP
- עשות: VERB,qal,inf
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומחתה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לפעלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Micah 6:8 (thematic): Commands what the righteous should do — 'to do justice' — echoing Proverbs' affirmation that doing justice is fitting for the righteous.
- Amos 5:24 (verbal): Famous prophetic call for justice ('let justice roll down like waters') parallels Proverbs' valuation of justice as central to righteousness.
- Isaiah 1:17 (thematic): Urgent injunction to 'learn to do good; seek justice' parallels the proverb's link between the righteous and the practice of justice.
- Psalm 106:3 (thematic): Blessing on those who keep judgment and do righteousness echoes the proverb's positive appraisal of the righteous who enact justice.
- Proverbs 11:21 (thematic): Contrasting outcome for the wicked — here noting that the wicked will not go unpunished — parallels Proverbs 21:15's negative outcome for 'workers of iniquity.'
Alternative generated candidates
- It is joy for the righteous to do justice, but terror to those who do wrong.
- It is a joy to the righteous to do justice, but terror to those who do evil.
Pro.21.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תועה: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg
- מדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השכל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בקהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רפאים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ינוח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 2:18 (verbal): Speaks of a woman's house leading down to death—uses similar language of paths/ways that end in death for those who leave the way of wisdom.
- Proverbs 5:5 (verbal): Describes the way of the adulteress as a descent to Sheol/Death; parallels the consequence for one who wanders from understanding.
- Proverbs 7:27 (verbal): States her house is the way to the dead, going down to the chambers of death—very close verbal parallel about wandering into company of the dead.
- Proverbs 8:36 (thematic): Declares that those who reject wisdom 'love death,' thematically linking turning from wisdom/understanding with death.
- Proverbs 15:24 (thematic): Contrasts the path of life for the prudent with turning away from Sheol—highlights the same theme that departing from wisdom leads toward death.
Alternative generated candidates
- A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
- The one who wanders from the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
Pro.21.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחסור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעשיר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.23:20-21 (verbal): Directly parallels the warning against excessive drinking and feasting; links companionship with wine and gluttony to poverty and ruin.
- Prov.20:1 (verbal): Similar verbal motif about wine as deceptive/dangerous—wine 'mocks' and strong drink 'railes', leading to unwise behavior and harm.
- Eccles.2:10-11 (thematic): Wisdom‑literature critique of pursuing pleasure: accumulated enjoyment and indulgence prove ultimately empty and do not yield lasting gain.
- Amos 6:4-6 (thematic): Condemns the complacent, indulgent lifestyle of the well‑to‑do (lavish food, music, wine) and connects such luxury with coming judgment—parallel moral critique of pleasure‑loving.
- Isa.5:11-12 (thematic): Woe oracle against those who rise early to pursue strong drink and thus neglect divine deeds—links drunken indulgence with moral blindness and impending judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.
- One who loves pleasure becomes poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.
Pro.21.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לצדיק: PREP
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותחת: CONJ+PREP
- ישרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בוגד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ecclesiastes 8:14 (thematic): Describes the paradox of righteous receiving what the wicked deserve and wicked receiving what the righteous deserve — a close thematic parallel of role/reward reversal.
- Proverbs 11:8 (verbal): Speaks of the righteous being delivered from trouble while the wicked fall into it — a similar idea of fortunes being exchanged or the wicked replacing the righteous.
- Psalm 73:3-12 (thematic): The psalmist laments the prosperity and apparent impunity of the wicked and the harm this does to the righteous — echoes the complaint that the wicked prevail over the upright.
- Amos 5:12 (thematic): Condemns those who oppress the righteous and pervert justice; parallels the motif of the wicked bringing ruin upon the righteous.
- Job 21:7-16 (thematic): Job questions why the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, reflecting the same tension of the wicked prospering at the expense of the upright.
Alternative generated candidates
- The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous stand in place of the upright.
- The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous for the upright.
Pro.21.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שבת: VERB,qal,inf
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- מאשת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,constr
- מדינים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכעס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.25:24 (verbal): Very close verbal and proverbial parallel—contrasts dwelling in a small/exposed place (corner of the roof) with living with a contentious/quarrelsome woman; same theme and similar wording.
- Prov.21:9 (verbal): A near-duplicate proverb in the same book: prefers solitary/exposed dwelling to life with a contentious woman—same contrast and language.
- Prov.27:15 (thematic): Compares a 'continual dripping' to a contentious woman—same theme of persistent domestic irritation caused by a quarrelsome wife.
- Prov.19:13 (thematic): Mentions the strife/continual dripping of a contentious wife as a source of household trouble, thematically linked to the proverb’s warning about living with an angry/quarrelsome woman.
Alternative generated candidates
- Better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and angry wife.
- Better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and angry wife.
Pro.21.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אוצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחמד: ADJ,m,sg
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנוה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- וכסיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבלענו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+3ms_obj
Parallels
- Prov.6:6-8 (thematic): Ants store provision in summer and gather food—an explicit proverb urging foresight and saving, paralleling the wise household that preserves treasure and oil versus the fool who consumes it.
- Prov.13:11 (thematic): ‘Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it’ — contrasts prudent, gradual accumulation with loss through careless or hasty behavior, echoing the wise–fool contrast in 21:20.
- Prov.21:5 (thematic): ‘The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty’ — another proverb pairing diligence/foresight with prosperity and rashness with depletion, reinforcing the same moral point as 21:20.
- Prov.21:17 (verbal): Uses the image of ‘wine and oil’ and links love of pleasure (wine and oil) to impoverishment; provides a verbal/semantic counterpoint to 21:20’s positive image of oil in the wise man's dwelling versus the fool who devours it.
- Luke 12:16-21 (allusion): Parable of the rich fool who hoards grain and goods and is called ‘fool’ — a New Testament reworking of the wisdom theme that condemns selfish accumulation or misdirected hoarding, resonating with Proverbs’ contrast between wise provision and foolish consumption.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fine treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but a fool devours them.
- Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but a foolish man devours them.
Pro.21.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רדף: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- צדקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- צדקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכבוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.3:3-4 (verbal): Urges holding mercy (חסד) and faithfulness so one will find favor and good repute—similar language of keeping/embracing kindness and receiving favor/honor.
- Micah 6:8 (thematic): Summarizes what God requires: do justice (צדק), love kindness (חסד), and walk humbly—directly parallels pursuing righteousness and kindness.
- Hosea 10:12 (verbal): Calls to 'sow righteousness' and seek the LORD so that righteousness (and steadfast love) may be granted—ties pursuit of righteousness/mercy to life/blessing.
- Matt.5:6 (thematic): 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied'—pursuit of righteousness leads to fulfillment, echoing 'seek righteousness and kindness, find life.'
- Matt.6:33 (thematic): 'Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you'—pursuit of God's righteousness results in provision/blessing akin to finding life and honor.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
- Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Pro.21.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבטחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3f.suff
Parallels
- Joshua 6:20 (structural): The fall of Jericho — the walls of a fortified city come down and the city is taken, echoing the proverb’s image of overcoming a city/stronghold.
- 2 Samuel 5:7 (thematic): David ‘took the stronghold of Zion’ by ascending and capturing a fortified place, paralleling the idea of gaining a city of the mighty.
- Psalm 18:29 (verbal): ‘By you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall’ — imagery of scaling or surmounting walls echoes the proverb’s picture of a wise man mounting a city and bringing down its stronghold.
- Proverbs 25:28 (thematic): ‘A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls’ — a related city/fortification motif used to contrast strength/security with vulnerability; Proverbs 21:22 treats wisdom as the means to gain or subdue a fortified city.
Alternative generated candidates
- A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trusted.
- A wise man can take a city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
Pro.21.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ולשונו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מצרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 13:3 (verbal): Closely parallel proverb language: guarding the mouth preserves life, while loose speech leads to ruin—same moral instruction as Prov. 21:23.
- Psalm 39:1 (verbal): The psalmist vows to guard his speech to avoid sin—explicitly links restraining the tongue with avoiding trouble/sin, echoing the sentiment of Prov. 21:23.
- James 1:26 (thematic): New Testament admonition that failing to control the tongue undermines true religion—applies the Proverbs ethic of guarding speech to Christian piety.
- James 3:2 (thematic): Connects mastery of speech with moral maturity and the ability to control oneself; like Prov. 21:23 it links controlled speech to avoiding moral harm.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.
- Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.
Pro.21.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהיר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- עושה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בעברת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.16:18 (thematic): Both verses condemn pride and haughtiness; Prov 16:18 ('Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall') echoes the warning against the arrogant attitude described in Prov 21:24.
- Prov.9:7-8 (verbal): Uses the same notion of the 'scoffer' (לֵץ) and treats how a scoffer responds to correction—directly parallels the characterization of the scoffer in Prov 21:24.
- Prov.3:34 (thematic): Contrasts God's treatment of the proud/scorners with his favor toward the humble ('He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the lowly'), connecting to the negative portrayal of the scoffer in Prov 21:24.
- James 4:6 (allusion): New Testament echo of the wisdom tradition: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,' reflecting the same ethical concern with pride and scorn found in Prov 21:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- A proud and arrogant man—his name is scoffer; he acts in insolent defiance.
- Haughty and arrogant—the scoffer is his name; he acts with insolent pride.
Pro.21.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תאות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עצל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תמיתנו: VERB,hiph,imprf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מאנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Prov.13:4 (verbal): The sluggard 'craves' (desire) but gets nothing; echoes the language of desire/longing and its fruitlessness in the idle.
- Prov.10:4 (verbal): 'Lazy hands make for poverty' parallels the image of hands that refuse to work and the negative outcome of idleness.
- Prov.6:6-11 (thematic): The call to learn from the ant and the warning that laziness leads to want and ruin parallels the cause-and-effect between refusal to work and disaster.
- Prov.19:15 (thematic): 'Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry' — another proverb linking sloth to loss and want, similar to death as consequence here.
- 2 Thess.3:10 (allusion): 'If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat' echoes the moral principle that refusing to work rightly brings negative consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
- The craving of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to work.
Pro.21.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- התאוה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תאוה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- וצדיק: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יחשך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.11:24-25 (thematic): Contrasts withholding/hoarding with generous giving; generosity is praised while withholding leads to want, echoing the contrast between craving and the righteous who gives.
- Prov.22:9 (thematic): The ‘bountiful eye’ who shares bread with the poor is blessed—another proverb linking righteousness with openhandedness against selfish craving.
- Ps.37:26 (verbal): Speaks of the righteous as merciful and lending freely; parallels the image of the righteous who gives (does not withhold) in opposition to the greedy.
- Eccles.5:10 (verbal): ‘He who loves money will not be satisfied with money’ parallels the restless craving described in Prov.21:26—insatiable desire versus the contentedness of the generous.
- Luke 12:15 (thematic): Jesus’ warning to guard against all kinds of greed echoes the proverb’s critique of constant craving and implies the moral value of avoiding avarice in favor of right conduct.
Alternative generated candidates
- All day long the greedy craves; but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
- All day long he craves and desires, while the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Pro.21.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תועבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- בזמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יביאנו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.15:8 (verbal): Same saying: the sacrifice/offering of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, contrasting wicked offerings with acceptable piety.
- Isaiah 1:11-15 (thematic): God rejects the people's multitude of sacrifices and offerings when their lives are corrupt; sacrifices are offensive when paired with wickedness.
- Psalm 50:8-13 (thematic): God declares He has no need of the worshipper's sacrifices (bulls/animals) and condemns empty ritual apart from true obedience.
- Micah 6:6-8 (thematic): Rhetorical critique of offering many sacrifices as insufficient; God demands justice, mercy, and humility rather than mere ritual.
- Hosea 6:6 (thematic): God values steadfast love and knowledge of Him more than burnt offerings—echoing the idea that sacrifice offered by the wicked is unacceptable.
Alternative generated candidates
- A sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination—how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
- The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination—how much more when he brings it with evil intent!
Pro.21.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עד: PREP
- כזבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יאבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שומע: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- לנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 14:5 (verbal): Contrasts a faithful witness with a false one—both verses denounce lying testimony and use similar language about the false witness’s culpability.
- Proverbs 19:5 (verbal): Declares that a false witness will not go unpunished, echoing the proverb’s prediction that the false witness will perish.
- Exodus 20:16 (thematic): The Ten Commandments’ prohibition against bearing false witness provides the ethical/legal background for Proverbs’ denunciation of false testimony.
- Deuteronomy 19:16-19 (structural): Prescribes the case law and penalties for false witnesses—paralleling Proverbs’ outcome language that false testimony brings ruin on the false witness.
- Psalm 101:7 (thematic): Affirms that lying and deceitful people will not remain in the righteous leader’s presence—similar moral consequence for deceitful testimony as in Proverbs 21:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- A false witness will perish; the testimony of the one who listens will endure.
- A false witness will perish, but the one who hears will speak continually.
Pro.21.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- העז: ADJ,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בפניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3ms
- וישר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יבין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרכו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 14:8 (verbal): Shares the phrasing and idea of giving thought to one's ways—'the wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to his way' parallels 'the upright will consider his way.'
- Proverbs 4:26 (verbal): Commands deliberate attention to one's path ('Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established'), echoing the upright's careful consideration of his way.
- Proverbs 12:15 (thematic): Contrasts the self-assurance of the fool/wicked with the prudent who listens and corrects his course—similar moral contrast between arrogant wickedness and thoughtful uprightness.
- Psalm 37:23 (thematic): Affirms that the steps/way of the righteous are guided/established (by the LORD), paralleling the focus on the upright person's careful attention to his way.
- Proverbs 21:2 (thematic): Observes human self-justification ('every way of a man is right in his own eyes') which helps explain the wicked's boldness in contrast to the upright who examines his ways.
Alternative generated candidates
- A wicked man is brazen in his face, but the upright consider their way.
- The wicked man's boldness shows on his face, but the upright one understands the course of his way.
Pro.21.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אין: PART,neg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- תבונה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- עצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנגד: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 33:10 (verbal): Declares that the LORD frustrates or brings to nothing the counsels/plans of the nations—closely parallels Prov 21:30's assertion that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can stand against Yahweh.
- Proverbs 19:21 (thematic): Contrasts many human plans with the ultimate authority of the LORD's counsel (‘the counsel of the LORD stands’)—theme of human counsel versus divine will like Prov 21:30.
- Isaiah 40:13-14 (allusion): Rhetorically asks who can be a counselor or instruct the LORD, emphasizing that no one can advise or oppose God—an explicit theological echo of Prov 21:30.
- Proverbs 16:9 (thematic): Affirms that human intention plans a way but the LORD directs steps, underscoring divine sovereignty over human counsel and designs, resonant with Prov 21:30.
- Isaiah 55:8-9 (thematic): Asserts that God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways, reinforcing the idea that human wisdom or counsel cannot stand against God's wisdom as in Prov 21:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the LORD.
- No wisdom, no discernment, no counsel can stand against the LORD.
Pro.21.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- סוס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מוכן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ליום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וליהוה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- התשועה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 20:7 (verbal): Contrasts trust in horses/chariots with reliance on the LORD: 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.' — a close verbal and thematic counterpoint.
- Psalm 33:16-17 (thematic): Declares that military strength (armies, horsemen) cannot secure deliverance: '...no king is saved by the size of his army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength... The horse is a false hope for safety.' — echoes Proverbs' contrast between human resources and divine salvation.
- Isaiah 31:1-3 (allusion): Condemns seeking help from Egypt and trusting in horses and chariots rather than the Holy One of Israel: directly parallels the warning that human military preparation is insufficient without God.
- Jeremiah 17:5 (thematic): Pronounces a curse on those who trust in man rather than the LORD: thematically aligned with Proverbs' claim that true deliverance comes from God, not human means.
Alternative generated candidates
- The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
- The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance belongs to the LORD.
The king's heart is like streams of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he wills.
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.
Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart—the lamp of the wicked is sin.
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to lack.
Wealth gained by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor; it becomes the pursuit of those who chase death.
The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do justice.
The ways of a perverse man are twisted; the upright act in integrity.
Better to sit on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
The soul of the wicked covets evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his sight.
By disciplining a scoffer the simple becomes wise; when the wise are instructed they gain insight.
The discerning righteous one marks the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also cry and not be answered.
A gift given in secret turns away anger; a bribe at the heart stills great wrath.
It brings joy to the righteous to do justice, but terror to those who do evil.
One who wanders from the way of understanding will rest among the company of the dead.
He who loves pleasure becomes poor; he who loves wine and oil will not grow rich.
The wicked serve as ransom for the righteous, and treachery for the upright.
Better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and angry wife.
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a fool consumes it.
Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.
A wise man storms a strong city and brings down the confidence of its mighty.
He who guards his mouth and his tongue preserves his life from trouble.
Proud and arrogant is his name—'Scoffer'—he acts in insolent arrogance.
The craving of the sluggard will kill him, for his hands refuse to work.
All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not withhold.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent.
A false witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak on forever.
The wicked are brazen in their countenance, yet the upright perceive their way.
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the LORD.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but deliverance belongs to the LORD.