Proverbs 21:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Haughty looks, a proud heart -what the wicked plow is sin.

Berean Standard Bible:

Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the guides of the wicked—are sin.

American Standard Version:

A high look, and a proud heart, Eventhe lamp of the wicked, is sin.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

An high^{H7312} look^{H5869}, and a proud^{H7342} heart^{H3820}, and the plowing^{H5215} of the wicked^{H7563}, is sin^{H2403}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 21:4

Proverbs 21:4 is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, specifically the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and instructions that reflect the religious and ethical wisdom of ancient Israel. This particular verse addresses the themes of pride and wickedness, emphasizing that both an arrogant demeanor and a haughty heart are inherently sinful. The phrase "an high look" refers to the behavior of someone who exalts themselves above others, while "a proud heart" points to an inner attitude of self-importance and self-sufficiency.

The verse also metaphorically equates the actions of the wicked to the act of plowing, which is a deliberate and systematic activity. In the context of the verse, "the plowing of the wicked" suggests that their actions are methodical and purposeful, yet ultimately lead to sin. This agricultural metaphor would have resonated with the agrarian society of the time, making the abstract concept of sin more tangible.

Historically, the book of Proverbs is thought to have been compiled during the period of Israel's monarchy, with some material dating back to the time of Solomon, who is traditionally credited with its authorship. The sayings in Proverbs, including verse 21:4, were likely used in the instruction of young men, particularly those being groomed for leadership roles, teaching them the importance of humility and the pitfalls of pride and wickedness.

In summary, Proverbs 21:4 succinctly condemns pride and wickedness, warning that both an arrogant bearing and a proud heart are sinful, and that the deliberate actions of the wicked are akin to a farmer's plowing, leading inevitably to sin. This verse reflects the broader wisdom tradition in the Bible, which values humility and righteousness over self-exaltation and malevolence.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7312
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רוּם
   Transliteration: rûwm
   Pronunciation: room
   Description: or רֻם; from רוּם; (literally) elevation or (figuratively) elation; haughtiness, height, [idiom] high.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
3. Strong's Number: H7342
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָחָב
   Transliteration: râchâb
   Pronunciation: raw-khawb'
   Description: from רָחַב; roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively; broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3820
   There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵב
   Transliteration: lêb
   Pronunciation: labe
   Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5215
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נִיר
   Transliteration: nîyr
   Pronunciation: neer
   Description: or נִר; from נִיר; properly, plowing, i.e. (concretely) freshly plowed land; fallow ground, plowing, tillage.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7563
   There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָשָׁע
   Transliteration: râshâʻ
   Pronunciation: raw-shaw'
   Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2403
   There are 272 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חַטָּאָה
   Transliteration: chaṭṭâʼâh
   Pronunciation: khat-taw-aw'
   Description: or חַטָּאת; from חָטָא; an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender; punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).