Proverbs 21:4

KJV

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

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:4 delivers a profound indictment against pride, declaring that an arrogant demeanor, a haughty inner disposition, and even the productive efforts of the wicked are fundamentally tainted by sin. This proverb underscores the biblical truth that God scrutinizes not merely outward actions but the very motives and condition of the heart, revealing that all endeavors stemming from a proud and ungodly spirit are an offense in His sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21 is a collection of individual wisdom sayings, often presented as antithetical or synonymous couplets, designed to instruct the reader in the path of righteousness and expose the folly of wickedness. This chapter frequently emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over human affairs, the importance of justice, and the ultimate futility of human effort apart from God's favor. Verse 4 fits seamlessly into this tapestry by highlighting an internal disposition (pride) and its pervasive effect on external actions, aligning with the broader Proverbial theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and manifests in humility and integrity, contrasting sharply with the destructive path of the wicked. The verse’s concise, declarative structure is typical of the book’s didactic style.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, deeply rooted in a covenantal relationship with Yahweh. In this culture, the "heart" (Hebrew: `lêb`, H3820) was understood not merely as an organ but as the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character—the very core of a person's being. "Plowing" (Hebrew: `nîyr`, H5215) refers to a fundamental agricultural activity, symbolizing labor, effort, or the fruit of one's work. The proverb, therefore, speaks to a society where agricultural productivity was vital, 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.

* **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](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). 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](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - What Defiles a Person"). 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From a root 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.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term 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.
* **plowing (Hebrew, _nîyr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break up ground," this word 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 emphasizes 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" powerfully conveys that the *fruit* of the wicked's labor is still sin.
* **sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This comprehensive term 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.

#### 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.
* **"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.
* **"[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"). 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.
* **"[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.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 21:4 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. 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 concept of "sin." This cumulative effect emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin originating from pride. **Metonymy** is evident in "an high look," where the physical gaze stands in for the underlying attitude of arrogance. The phrase "the plowing of the wicked" functions as **Symbolism**, where the act of tilling the ground symbolizes all human labor, effort, and even the fruit of one's life. By declaring this "sin," the proverb uses **Hyperbole** to underscore that even seemingly mundane or productive activities are tainted when performed by a heart alienated from God. This stark declaration also serves as a potent **Aphorism**, a concise statement of truth designed to be memorable and impactful.

### 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. 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.

* [Proverbs 16:5](/proverbs/16-5 "Proverbs 16:5 - The Proud Heart is an Abomination")
* [Luke 16:15](/luke/16-15 "Luke 16:15 - God Knows the Heart")
* [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")

### 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.

#### 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" ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")).

**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. 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 ([Proverbs 16:5](/proverbs/16-5 "The Lord Detests the Proud")).

### 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](/philippians/2-6 "Christ's Humility")). 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](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and Spirit"), 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 6:17

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Isaiah 2:17

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Proverbs 8:13

The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.

Proverbs 21:27

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Psalms 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.