Proverbs 21:4

Translation
King James Version
¶ An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
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KJV (with Strong's)
An high H7312 look H5869, and a proud H7342 heart H3820, and the plowing H5215 of the wicked H7563, is sin H2403.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Haughty looks, a proud heart -what the wicked plow is sin.
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Berean Standard Bible
Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the guides of the wicked—are sin.
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American Standard Version
A high look, and a proud heart, Eventhe lamp of the wicked, is sin.
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World English Bible Messianic
A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
A hautie looke, and a proude heart, which is the light of the wicked, is sinne.
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Young's Literal Translation
Loftiness of eyes, and breadth of heart, Tillage of the wicked is sin.
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See also
Proverbs 6:171 Peter 5:5Isaiah 2:17Proverbs 8:13Romans 14:23Proverbs 21:27Psalms 10:4
In the KJVVerse 16,989 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 21:4 serves as a profound indictment against the pervasive nature of sin, revealing that both an outward display of arrogance and an internal disposition of pride are fundamentally offensive to God. Furthermore, the proverb declares that even the seemingly productive efforts and endeavors of those who are morally corrupt are tainted by their ungodly motives and are therefore considered sin in the sight of a holy God. This verse underscores the biblical truth that true righteousness stems from the heart and that God scrutinizes not merely actions, but the very source and spirit behind them.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 21 is a rich tapestry of individual wisdom sayings, often presented as concise, didactic couplets or single declarations. These proverbs serve to instruct in the path of righteousness, contrasting the wisdom of God with the folly of human pride and wickedness. The chapter frequently emphasizes the Lord's absolute sovereignty over human affairs (e.g., Proverbs 21:1), the importance of justice, and the ultimate futility of human effort when divorced from divine favor. Verse 4 fits seamlessly into this broader narrative by highlighting an internal disposition (pride) and its pervasive effect on external actions, aligning with the overarching Proverbial theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and manifests in humility and integrity, sharply contrasting with the destructive path of the wicked. The verse's concise, declarative structure is characteristic of the book's pedagogical style, designed for memorization and reflection.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Book of Proverbs emerges from the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in a covenantal relationship with Yahweh. In this cultural milieu, the "heart" (Hebrew: lêb, H3820) was understood not merely as a physical organ but as the comprehensive seat of a person's intellect, will, emotions, and moral character—the very core of one's being and personality. "Plowing" (Hebrew: nîyr, H5215) refers to a foundational agricultural activity, symbolizing labor, effort, or the fruit of one's work. The proverb, therefore, speaks to a society where agricultural productivity was vital for survival, yet it transcends this literal meaning to convey a deeper spiritual truth: even seemingly beneficial or productive activities are corrupted when they stem from an unrighteous heart. The concept of "sin" (Hebrew: chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) was understood as "missing the mark" of God's perfect standard, an offense against His holy character, carrying both moral culpability and spiritual consequences within the covenant community.
  • Key Themes: This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes found throughout Scripture. Firstly, it condemns the insidious nature of pride, identifying "an high look" and "a proud heart" as direct manifestations of sin. Pride is consistently portrayed as an abomination to God, leading to destruction and disgrace, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the pervasiveness of sin, particularly through the phrase "the plowing of the wicked." This suggests that every aspect of a wicked person's life—their labor, their intentions, their very way of life, or even what they consider their "light" or guiding principle—is fundamentally tainted and declared "sin" because it originates from a proud and ungodly heart. This resonates with the biblical principle that true defilement comes from within, as Jesus taught in Matthew 15:19. Lastly, the proverb highlights the supremacy of motive over mere action. It teaches that actions, even those that might appear productive or benign on the surface, are judged by the heart's condition and the motives behind them. If the heart is proud and wicked, its output is inherently sinful in God's eyes, regardless of outward appearance. This theme is echoed in 1 Samuel 16:7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • high (Hebrew, rûwm', H7311): From the root H7311, meaning "to be high, exalted," this word literally refers to elevation but is used figuratively here to denote elation, haughtiness, or arrogance. It describes an elevated, disdainful posture or attitude that stems from an inflated sense of self-importance, often manifesting as looking down on others.
  • heart (Hebrew, lêb', H3820): This term (H3820), a form of H3824, is a central concept in Hebrew anthropology, referring to the innermost being of a person. It encompasses not only emotions and affections but also intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. A "proud heart" signifies a will that is set against God, a mind that is self-exalting, and affections that are directed away from divine truth. It is the core of one's being.
  • plowing (Hebrew, nîyr', H5215): This word (H5215), from the root H5214, primarily denotes the act of tilling or cultivating land, or concretely, freshly plowed land. In this context, it symbolizes the labor, effort, or productive activity of a person. The KJV's rendering powerfully conveys that even the seemingly legitimate or productive endeavors of the wicked are tainted. While some modern translations interpret a homonym as "lamp" or "light," the KJV's "plowing" emphasizes that the fruit of the wicked's labor is still sin.
  • sin (Hebrew, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): This comprehensive term (H2403), from the root H2398, signifies an offense, a missing of the mark, or a deviation from God's standard. It can refer to habitual sinfulness, its penalty, or even a sin offering. Here, it is the declarative verdict on the preceding elements, indicating that the proud disposition and all its resultant actions are morally wrong and condemned by God, carrying both culpability and consequences.

Verse Breakdown

  • "An high look": This phrase describes an outward manifestation of inner pride. It refers to a haughty, arrogant, or disdainful gaze—a physical expression of a spiritual condition that looks down on others and exalts oneself. It is the visible sign of an invisible heart posture, indicating a spirit of self-sufficiency and contempt for others or for God's authority.
  • "and a proud heart": This identifies the root cause of the "high look" and subsequent actions. The heart, as the seat of one's will and moral character, is described as "proud" (Hebrew: râchâb, H7342, meaning "roomy, broad," figuratively "proud" or "expansive" in a self-exalting way). This signifies an internal disposition of self-sufficiency, arrogance, and rebellion against God's authority, where one's own desires and perceived greatness supersede God's will.
  • "[and] the plowing of the wicked": This clause extends the reach of sin from internal disposition to external action and its fruit. "The plowing" represents the labor, efforts, or endeavors of individuals who are "wicked" (Hebrew: râshâʻ, H7563, meaning "morally wrong, actively bad," referring to those who are guilty or ungodly). The proverb declares that even the productive work of those driven by pride and ungodliness is inherently tainted and unacceptable to God, because its source and motive are corrupt, not because the act of plowing itself is evil.
  • "[is] sin": This is the emphatic conclusion and verdict. The "high look," the "proud heart," and the "plowing of the wicked" are not merely undesirable traits or actions; they are unequivocally declared to be "sin." This highlights the pervasive nature of sin, which contaminates not only overt rebellion but also the very essence of a person's being and their seemingly neutral or productive efforts when disconnected from a righteous heart and right motive before God.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 21:4 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message with clarity and impact. The primary device is Parallelism, specifically a form of Synonymous Parallelism where multiple related concepts ("high look," "proud heart," "plowing of the wicked") are all equated with the single, declarative concept of "sin." This cumulative effect emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of sin originating from pride. Metonymy is evident in "an high look," where the physical gaze or countenance stands in for the underlying attitude of arrogance and haughtiness. The phrase "the plowing of the wicked" functions as powerful Symbolism, where the act of tilling the ground symbolizes all human labor, effort, and even the fruit or output of one's life. By declaring this "sin," the proverb uses a form of Hyperbole to underscore that even seemingly mundane or productive activities are tainted and unacceptable when performed by a heart alienated from God. This stark and concise declaration also serves as a potent Aphorism, a memorable statement of truth designed to instruct and convict.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 21:4 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of sin, emphasizing that it is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a deep-seated condition of the heart that permeates every aspect of a person's being and doing. This proverb aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God looks beyond outward appearance to the heart's true condition and motives, for "man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." Pride, identified as the root, is consistently portrayed in Scripture as an abomination to God, the antithesis of humility and dependence on Him. The verse underscores that even seemingly productive human efforts, if born from a proud and ungodly heart, are fundamentally flawed and unacceptable in God's holy presence. This challenges any notion that good deeds alone, apart from a transformed heart, can merit divine favor.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 21:4 serves as a crucial mirror for self-examination, compelling us to look beyond our outward actions and scrutinize the true condition and motives of our hearts. It challenges the common human tendency to justify ourselves by our deeds, reminding us that even our most diligent efforts can be tainted if they spring from a proud, self-exalting spirit rather than a humble, God-fearing one. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical humility, recognizing that our inherent sinfulness can corrupt even seemingly good intentions. It invites us to ask: Are my "good works" truly for God's glory, or are they subtly driven by a desire for human recognition, self-validation, or a sense of superiority? True righteousness flows from a heart submitted to God, not from a haughty spirit or self-serving endeavors. Therefore, our primary focus should be on the transformation of our inner being, trusting God to purify our motives and direct our paths, so that all our "plowing" may be a fragrant offering to Him, acceptable in His sight.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life might a "high look" or "proud heart" be subtly manifesting, even if my outward actions seem commendable?
  • How does this proverb challenge my understanding of "good works" and their true value in God's sight?
  • What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble heart and ensure my efforts are truly God-honoring?
  • How does the pervasive nature of sin, as described here, deepen my appreciation for God's grace and the need for spiritual transformation?

FAQ

Why is "the plowing of the wicked" considered sin?

Answer: The phrase "the plowing of the wicked" signifies that even the productive labor, efforts, or endeavors of a person whose heart is proud and ungodly are fundamentally tainted and unacceptable to God. It's not the act of plowing itself that is sinful, but the source and motive behind it. If a person's heart is characterized by pride and rebellion against God, then all their actions, no matter how outwardly beneficial or neutral, are ultimately corrupted by that underlying sin. This highlights that God judges the heart and its intentions, not just the visible outcome of an action. It underscores the biblical truth that apart from a right relationship with God, even human righteousness is like "filthy rags" as described in Isaiah 64:6.

What does "an high look" mean in this context?

Answer: "An high look" refers to an arrogant, haughty, or disdainful gaze. It is an outward manifestation of an inner attitude of pride and self-exaltation. Someone with a "high look" literally or figuratively looks down on others, believing themselves superior or above reproach. This physical posture reflects a spiritual condition where one's heart is filled with pride, which is consistently condemned in Scripture as an abomination to God, as seen in Proverbs 16:5.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 21:4, in its stark declaration that pride and the works stemming from a wicked heart are sin, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ. Humanity's fundamental problem is not merely a few bad actions, but a "proud heart" and a pervasive sinfulness that taints even our "plowing"—our best efforts and intentions. This verse reveals the depth of our need for a Savior who can address the root issue: the corrupted heart. Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills the antithesis of this proverb. He is the embodiment of ultimate humility, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). His entire life and sacrifice were devoid of a "high look" or "proud heart," instead characterized by perfect obedience and self-giving love. Through His atoning death on the cross, Christ bore the full weight of our sin, including our pride and the tainted "plowing" of our wicked hearts. Furthermore, through faith in Him, believers receive a new heart and a new spirit, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27, enabling them to live lives of genuine humility and produce fruit that is truly righteous and pleasing to God. Only in Christ can the "plowing" of our lives cease to be sin and become an act of worship, for "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6).

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Commentary on Proverbs 21 verse 4

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

This may be taken as showing us, 1. The marks of a wicked man. He that has a high look and a proud heart, that carries himself insolently and scornfully towards both God and man, and that is always ploughing and plotting, designing and devising some mischief or other, is indeed a wicked man. The light of the wicked is sin. Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory and joy, and the business of wicked men. 2. The miseries of wicked man. His raised expectations, his high designs, and most elaborate contrivances and projects, are sin to him; he contracts guilt in them and so prepares trouble for himself. The very business of all wicked men, as well as their pleasure, is nothing but sin; so Bishop Patrick. They do all to serve their lusts, and have no regard to the glory of God in it, and therefore their ploughing is sin, and no marvel when their sacrificing is so, Pro 15:8.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 4. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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