Proverbs 21: Consequences of Pride & Greed

I. Introduction: Proverbs 21 provides guidance and wisdom for living a righteous life. The book of Proverbs is known for its practical and moral teachings, and this chapter is no exception. It covers a range of topics, from the importance of justice and fairness to the consequences of pride and greed. The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of aligning one’s actions with His will. Through a careful examination of the verses in Proverbs 21, we can gain a deeper understanding of how to live a life that is pleasing to God.

II. The Sovereignty of God (Proverbs 21:1)
The verse Proverbs 21:1 states, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the hearts of rulers. God has the power to influence the decisions of those in authority, and He can use them to accomplish His purposes. Cross-reference verses include Daniel 2:21, which says, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others,” and Romans 13:1, which states, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” These verses reinforce the idea that God is in control of all things, including the actions of those in power.

III. The Value of Righteousness (Proverbs 21:3)
Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” This verse highlights the importance of living a righteous life rather than simply going through the motions of religious rituals. Cross-reference verses include Micah 6:8, which says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” and 1 Samuel 15:22, which states, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” These verses reinforce the idea that God values righteousness and obedience over external religious practices.

IV. The Consequences of Pride and Greed (Proverbs 21:4)
Proverbs 21:4 states, “Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.” This verse warns against the dangers of pride and greed, which can lead to sin and destruction. Cross-reference verses include James 4:6, which says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” and 1 Timothy 6:10, which states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” These verses emphasize the importance of humility and contentment in living a righteous life.

V. Conclusion: Proverbs 21 provides valuable guidance for living a life that is pleasing to God. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the importance of righteousness, and the dangers of pride and greed. By aligning our actions with God’s will and living a humble and righteous life, we can experience the blessings and favor of the Lord. As we reflect on the teachings in Proverbs 21, let us strive to apply these principles to our daily lives and seek to honor God in all that we do.