|
This is a text reader for the article below:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Wednesday 11/12/25
Thru the Bible: Proverbs 21
Message Video Player
Message Audio Player:
Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:18:41 — 92.6MB)
The human spirit ILLUMINATES the soul
Proverbs 21:1-31,
“(1) The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD like channels of water; He turns it wherever He wants.”
This is a difficult passage – at least on the surface and contingent upon what translation you read.
We need to never lose sight of the face that we OWN NOTHING – not even our spirit, soul or body. God is both Creator and Owner. From that it logically follows that He can do whatever He wants with the human heart. What does NOT necessarily logically follow is our understanding of what He desires.
We know that God desires no one to perish and for all to come to the saving knowledge of the truth and yet, God Himself has told us that the greatest portion of humanity will be lost. So there you have something God desires and we know He has the ownership rights and sovereign power to make it so – so logically you’d conclude that He would never fail to exercise that prerogative. But that is NOT so. God clearly values human will, because God desires relationship. Relationships cannot be forced, they MUST be chosen or it isn’t relationship!
So what is this verse saying? Well, it is definitely saying that the King’s heart is in God’s power. It is also saying He directs it towards what He desires. Does that mean that the king has no choice? NO! God directs hearts towards salvation everyday, and yet the great majority of humanity will be lost.
The best way I have personally found to understand this verse is that God, as the sovereign King and judge of all He made can either harden or soften a heart. While we know that the hardening of a heart is always in step with the human’s choices. We see that in Pharaoh and Paul points to that example as key in understanding this topic. Pharaoh had been given many chances to choose to let Israel go. That alone is proof of God not commandeering a will. God brought judgements which served to influence the King and to make it so that obedience to God would have been in his best interest. But God did NOT force Pharaoh to do anything!
There were a total of 13 occurrences of Pharaoh’s heart getting hard. The first 6 were his own doing. He saw the advantage of letting Israel go, he knew it would end the plagues but he sided with his pride instead of humbling himself before God. The idea in the Hebrew of these verses is that Pharaoh dug his heels in – resisting the influence to agree and obey. The last 7 occurrences of hardening Pharaoh’s heart was God’s judgement against him, which was in agreement with Pharaoh’s freewill choices.
But what if God’s purposes required Pharaoh to maintain a softer heart? All God would have to do is commute Pharaoh’s judgement of a hardened heart until His influence over Pharaoh was complete. In the end, God still got his will, but not the way He wanted it. God did NOT want to destroy Pharaoh – He loved him. This man was God’s creation and His desire for his heart, but Pharaoh would not concede, but God DID direct his heart towards letting Israel go.
As for the rest of Egypt, God was able to influence most of their hearts to have compassion and pity on Israel, sending them off with great riches.
So what is the point here? The power to steer a king’s heart is God’s. He directs the king’s heart towards His purposes, but in the end, the choice is still the kings!
In this way I think the NIV does a good job in their translation, so I will read it –
“In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that He channels toward all who please Him.”
Much more could be said about this with many different examples drawn from scripture but I will leave this topic with just one more example to use as a comparison with Pharaoh.
God had raised Cyrus, King of Persia for the purpose of judging Babylon and letting His people return to their homeland. Cyrus did not resist God’s influence at all! No need for plagues or any other external motivation. What was the difference? Well to begin with these were very different men, from very different backgrounds.
Furthermore, Cyrus did not have a point to prove. He had just conquered Babylon! That was quite a feat! To let the Babylonian captives go, was a prudent move. It would ingratiate them to their new ruler, and make taxes all easier to collect from people who were free to go back home and pursue a living of their choice.
Pharaoh on the other hand had everything to prove. He was more in the position of the King of Babylon than in the position of Cyrus. To let these people go struck at his pride and the way he would be viewed not only by the Egyptian people, but all the surrounding nations.
In both cases God got His purposes accomplished, but in both cases He was not able to win the heart of these kings to Himself, though we know He desired to.
[For more on this see – Let My People Go! & Hardening of the Heart]
“(2) All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates his thoughts.”
This reminds me of the passage in Hebrews which tells us that the word of God is,
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12.
“(3) To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
This is a repeated refrain throughout scripture, worded many different ways.
The most familiar phrase I believe was also the first and that was with Samuel the prophet as he addressed an unrepentant King Saul in his sin.
The phrase is found in 1 Samuel 15:22 and says,
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”
This statement is also repeated in verse 23 of 1 Samuel 15.
Other passages other than here in Proverbs 21:3 include…
- Hosea 6:6, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
- Micah 6:6-8, “This passage emphasizes that the Lord requires acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.”
- Psalm 51:16-17, “(16) For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. (17) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”
- In Matthew 9:13; 12:7 Jesus references Hosea 6:6 by quoting this passage as saying “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice”.
- Mark 12:33, Notes that loving God and one’s neighbor is more valuable than burnt offerings and sacrifices.
So this is SUCH an important truth which again points out the relational purposes of God in redemption. God has, does and will redeem people, but in the end what He wants is love expressing itself in obedience with reverence. This is more valuable than sacrifice, because it starts off with the end goal of sacrifice. Sacrifices were made available in order to clean man’s heart and bring them into loving relationship with God as His creations and children. So how much better is it to simply obey, than have to obtain restoration after having rebelled?
“(4) Haughty eyes and a proud heart – what the wicked cultivate is sin.”
“(5) The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
This truth has been mentioned several times in Proverbs already. It is NOT an invitation to seek wealth, but only an encouragement to use wisdom before plunging headlong into any pursuit. To consider the possible consequences BEFORE you take action!
“(6) Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death.”
“(7) The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they have refused to do what is right.”
“(8) The way of the guilty person is devious, but as for the pure, his way is upright.”
(9) It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
Now you might wonder why Solomon makes much of this. We’ve already heard something like this at least twice and in this chapter we will read it even once more in verse 19. To answer this question I can present you with at least two very good reasons – other than that they are patently true!
1st – Solomon had MANY wives, so I can only imagine how often he sought corners on the rooftops of his kingdom estate. He was in a position to know this well!
2nd – It swings contrary to design. God created the woman FOR the man. To be his helper. Not the one who contends with him. Not the voice of agitation or indifference and certainly not to make him her “get it done” boy . When a woman discharges her office in such a way, she does dishonor to the dignity of her position and she distorts that image of God which she uniquely bears.
“(10) The appetite of the wicked has desired evil; his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes.”
Though the emphasis of this passage is clearly different, it bears something in common with an earlier proverb that speaks wisdom to the nature of this relationship.
The scriptures that mention not plotting harm against your neighbor, because they are dwelling near you for safety or security – Proverbs 3:29. Indicating that the major reason for having a neighbor is for security, safety and watching out for each other.
In our verse here in Proverbs 21, the wicked’s appetite for evil outstrips any consideration for his neighbor. This is seed sown which will yield a harvest in kind in the future!
“(11) When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.”
We JUST read a similar proverb two weeks ago in Proverbs 19:25 which states,
“(25) Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.”
Both of these proverbs illustrate the advantage the simple and naive have over those who scorn and scoff. They are in a far better position to obtain wisdom!
“(12) The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.”
The idea here is that of the righteous JUDGING the wicked. This can have at least three expressions so far as I can make out.
1st – the “righteous one” could refer to Jesus.
2nd – The “righteous one” could refer to a righteous judge (like a judge in Israel)
3rd – The “righteous one” could refer to all the righteous on the day of judgment during which we will judge the world and the evil spirits who fell with satan.
In all the above scenarios the one constant is that the righteous will judge the wicked and that their verdict will be destruction or ruin.
The words “house of the wicked” does not mean that the one judging will take into consideration the family of the wicked. Upon a person’s own actions they will stand or fall. Their family and the impact that such judgment might have upon them will not and cannot exercise any sway in the verdict!
So the only possible meaning available is that the judge considers the household of the wicked as a testimony or witness against them and uses such to predicate the judgment against them.
“(13) The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and will not be answered.”
Over and over again, God speaks out on behalf of the poor. God promises blessings on those who remember them – that is those who do not forget to help them and relieve their sufferings. To these He promises both to repay them AND to raise them up from their sickbed!
More in step with the opposite which is mentioned in this proverb, is that in Isaiah those who fast and remember the poor to feed them are given a promise. Among other things, their righteousness will shine as the sun and go before them, they will receive their healing and will be heard on high – God promising to answer them quickly.
So to think that the poor have nothing to do with you, is a falsehood. It may in fact be the very reason why blessings come to or seem to avoid you!
“(14) A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath.”
This is a far more general proverb, but it shares much in common with the advice we received from Solomon about giving a gift to a king in Proverbs 19. The overwhelming truth of this being obvious, makes the point of the jealous rage of a husband mentioned in Proverbs 6:32-25. People talk about the fury of a woman scorned, I submit to you that such does not hold a candle to a husband’s wrath.
“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. (33) Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. (34) For jealousy is a husband’s fury; Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. (35) He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.” – Proverbs 6:32-35
“(15) Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who do evil.”
“(16) The one who wanders from the way of wisdom will end up in the company of the departed.”
“(17) The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich.”
Loving stuff more than God and wisdom is always a highway to despair!
“(18) The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous are taken in the place of the upright.”
Though this is NOT the way this verse was intended to be understood, in a very real way, Jesus, becoming “sin for us” became wicked with our wickedness and thereby, became a ransom for us.
More likely is the interpretation which we can find illustrated through the prophecies of Isaiah regarding Israel.
Isaiah 43:1-4, “(1) Now, this is what the LORD says, the one who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: “Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you. I call you by name, you are mine. (2) When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. (3) For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer. I have handed over Egypt as a ransom price, Ethiopia and Seba in place of you. (4) Since you are precious and special in my sight, and I love you, I will hand over people in place of you, nations in place of your life.”
“(19) It is better to live in the wilderness than with a quarrelsome and easily-provoked woman.”
“(20) There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish person devours all he has.”
While not an obvious connection, I can’t help but think of the parable of the 10 virgins, 5 of which were unwise, having let their oil run out!
“(21) The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty, and honor.”
“(22) A wise man went up against the city of the mighty and brought down the stronghold in which they trust.”
“(23) The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles.”
(24) A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,” acts with overbearing pride.”
It has been a while since we’ve had a double proverb, but here is two which go hand in glove!
“(25) What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands have refused to work. (26) All day long he has craved greedily, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”
“(27) The wicked person’s sacrifice is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent!”
Almost no greater example could be offered than another example lifted from the life and rule of King Saul. He forsook his station, catering to the crowd who were his subjects – fearing their forsaking him more than God and offered a sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel.
Let’s read that account…
“(10) Just when he had finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel appeared on the scene. Saul went out to meet him and to greet him. (11) But Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul replied, “When I saw that the army had started to abandon me and that you didn’t come at the appointed time and that the Philistines had assembled at Micmash, (12) I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down on me at Gilgal and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.’ So I felt obligated to offer the burnt offering.” (13) Then Samuel said to Saul, “You have made a foolish choice! You have not obeyed the commandment that the LORD your God gave you. Had you done that, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever! (14) But now your kingdom will not continue! The LORD has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him and the LORD has appointed him to be leader over his people, for you have not obeyed what the LORD commanded you.”– 1 Samuel 13:10-14
Other noteworthy examples are Cain and Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 11:1 and Eli’s wicked boys who offered sacrifice in ways which dishonored God in 1 Samuel 2.
“(28) A lying witness will perish, but the one who reports accurately speaks forever.”
“(29) A wicked person has put on a bold face, but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.”
“(30) THERE IS NO WISDOM AND THERE IS NO UNDERSTANDING, AND THERE IS NO COUNSEL AGAINST THE LORD.”
(31) A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is from the LORD.”
Blessings!
