Explanation: Proverbs 21 contains comparisons and contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. I have posted today's painting in reference to verse one which speaks of the LORD's ability to move the king's heart in any direction he wishes, just as a river moves its waters in various directions. The oxbow depicted is one of the more striking examples of such changes of direction. The formation moves the river in almost a complete circle, making it first run perpendicular to its main course, then parallel to it, but in the opposite direction. Cole's painting has other references of Biblical significance, as are detailed in the link in the painting title, above.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 10. Proverbs 11. Proverbs 12. Proverbs 13. Proverbs 14. Proverbs 15. Proverbs 16. Proverbs 17. Proverbs 18. Proverbs 19. Proverbs 20. Proverbs 21. Proverbs 22. Proverbs 23. Proverbs 24. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Proverbs 21. Book of Proverbs. ]

     The subjects of chapter 21 are these: The LORD controls the king's heart (1). Everyone thinks his way is right; but the LORD ponders the heart (2). Justice and judgment are more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice (3). Everything the wicked do is sinful. Verse four can be translated in two different ways; but either way, that is the essential meaning of the verse. Some translate it in the manner of the King James version: "An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin." Others translate it in the manner of the English Standard Version: "Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin." Either way, the verse contrasts two evil things (haughtiness and pride) with one thing which would normally be considered morally neutral, or perhaps even good (plowing or a lamp). The point of both translations is that nothing in the life of a wicked person escapes the moral taint with which he is tainted -- compare verse twenty-seven (4). Those who are diligent have abundance; but those who are hasty [for gain] have only poverty (5). Treasure gained by lying is fleeting like a vapor and is a snare of death (6). The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just (7). The guilty have crooked ways, but the conduct of the pure is upright (8). It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide [or shared] house -- compare verse nineteen (9). The soul of the wicked desires evil; he is not favorable to his neighbor (10). When the scorner is punished the simple become wise; and when the wise are instructed, they receive knowledge (11). The righteous considers the house of the wicked, how the wicked are overthrown in their wickedness (12). Anyone who stops his ear at the cry of the poor will not be heard when he cries for help (13). A gift given in secret, in the bosom, pacifies anger, even strong wrath (14). It is joy to the just to do judgment; but judgment destroys the workers of iniquity (15). The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead (16). He who loves pleasure, such as wine and oil, will be poor (17). The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and transgressors for the upright (18). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman -- compare verse nine (19). Treasure and oil are in the house of the wise but the foolish spends it up (20). The one who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor (21). A wise man scales the city of the mighty and casts down it's strength and confidence (22). The one who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles (23). One who deals in proud wrath is a proud and haughty scorner (24). The desire of the slothful kills him, because his hands refuse to labor (25). The sluggard covets greedily all day long; but the righteous gives unsparingly (26). The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, and much more when he brings it with a wicked mind -- compare verse four (27). A false witness shall perish; but the man who hears [i.e., a true witness] will endure (28). A wicked man hardens his face; but the upright gives thought to his way (29). No wisdom, understanding, or counsel can avail against the LORD (30). The horse is made ready for the day of battle; but the victory belongs to the LORD (31).