Question 1

What does “the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord” mean?

Accepted Answer

This picture shows that even the most powerful rulers are not truly in control. Their plans, thoughts, and choices are in God’s hand, like streams of water that He can turn where He wants. Kings may feel free and strong, but they cannot go beyond what God allows or use their power outside His reach. This should calm fear of human rulers and remind us to pray, trust God with those in authority, and not act as if any leader is above Him.

Question 2

Why does God value justice and judgment more than sacrifice?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that doing what is right and fair is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. That means God is not pleased with outward religious acts when the heart and daily life are wrong. He wants honesty, mercy, and fair dealing with others. Bringing offerings while cheating people, ignoring the poor, or staying proud and hard-hearted is empty. True worship shows up in how we treat others, so real obedience and justice matter more than any ceremony.

Question 3

How does this chapter contrast the righteous and the wicked?

Accepted Answer

These sayings draw a sharp line between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked are proud, love evil, use lies to gain wealth, rob others, ignore the poor, are lazy, and give only to please themselves. Their way is called crooked and strange, and their own sin will finally destroy them. The righteous seek justice and mercy, plan carefully, give freely, listen to instruction, watch their words, and think about the end of the wicked instead of envying them. God supports the upright but overthrows the wicked.

Question 4

What does it mean that doing things in haste leads to want?

Accepted Answer

The text says the thoughts of the diligent move toward plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes to poverty. Diligent people think, plan, and work steadily. They do not rush into quick schemes. Hasty people jump into decisions without counsel or patience, often chasing fast gain. That way of living usually leads to loss, debt, and regret. The verse calls us to careful planning, steady effort, and a slow, honest path instead of restless rushing after wealth.

Question 5

Why is it better to live on a housetop or in the wilderness than with a brawling woman?

Accepted Answer

These pictures show how heavy constant strife at home can feel. A corner of a roof or a lonely desert are hard places to live, yet the sayings say even that can be better than sharing a large, comfortable house with someone who is always arguing and angry. The point is not only about women, but about how tearing, loud conflict drains peace. It warns against a quarrelsome spirit and reminds us that quiet, humble peace in the home is more valuable than space and riches.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about caring for the poor?

Accepted Answer

One saying warns that whoever stops his ears to the cry of the poor will one day cry out himself and not be heard. Turning away from needy people is not neutral; it brings a kind of judgment. God sees how people with means answer the cry of those in trouble. The verse urges open ears and open hands, not coldness. It also reminds us that mercy often comes back to us, while hard-heartedness can leave us alone when we finally need help.

Question 7

How does Proverbs 21 speak about our words and the tongue?

Accepted Answer

This chapter says whoever keeps his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. It also contrasts a false witness, who will perish, with the person who hears and then speaks steadily and truthfully. Proud and angry speech marks a scoffer, but guarded, honest words mark the wise. The message is simple: many pains in life come from careless, lying, or harsh speech. Watching what we say, and when we say it, protects us and others from much harm.

Question 8

What does “there is no counsel against the Lord” teach about God?

Accepted Answer

When it says there is no wisdom, understanding, or counsel against the Lord, it means no plan or advice that opposes God can truly stand. People may scheme, gather armies, and trust in their own insight. They may even prepare horses for the day of battle. But the outcome does not rest in human strength. Safety and success finally come from the Lord. This teaches that God’s will is above human plans and that trusting Him is safer than trusting any strategy.

Question 9

How can someone apply the teaching on pleasure, wine, and oil?

Accepted Answer

The passage warns that the person who loves pleasure, wine, and oil will be poor. Loving pleasure here means chasing comfort and self-indulgence instead of working and saving wisely. Wine and oil were signs of luxury, not basic needs. The warning is against a life centered on treating yourself rather than on steady labor, contentment, and wise use of resources. Applied today, it calls us to guard against wasteful living and to value self-control and generosity over constant self-pleasing.

Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

The King’s Heart

The King’s Heart

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Proverbs 21:1

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

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The King’s Heart

The King’s Heart

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