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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 21:22–30

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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Reference depth

From verse 22

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:19Rank 1 from verse 22
    Open

    19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

  2. Proverbs 24:5Rank 2 from verse 22
    Open

    5A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

  3. Ecclesiastes 9:13–18Rank 3 from verse 22
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    13¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

    14There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

    15Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

    16Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

    17The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

    18Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  4. 2 Samuel 20:16–22Rank 4 from verse 22
    Open

    16¶ Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

    17And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

    18Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.

    19I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?

    20And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

    21The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

    22Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

  5. 2 Samuel 5:6–9Rank 5 from verse 22
    Open

    6¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

    7Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

    8And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

    9So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

From verse 23

  1. Proverbs 13:3Rank 1 from verse 23
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    3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

  2. Proverbs 18:21Rank 2 from verse 23
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    21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

  3. Proverbs 17:27–28Rank 3 from verse 23
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    27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

    28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

  4. James 1:26Rank 4 from verse 23
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    26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

  5. Proverbs 12:13Rank 5 from verse 23
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    13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

From verse 24

  1. Psalms 1:1Rank 1 from verse 24
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    1BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

  2. Ecclesiastes 7:8–9Rank 2 from verse 24
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    8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

    9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

  3. Matthew 2:16Rank 3 from verse 24
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    16¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

  4. Proverbs 1:22Rank 4 from verse 24
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    22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

  5. Proverbs 18:12Rank 5 from verse 24
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    12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

From verse 25

  1. Proverbs 13:4Rank 1 from verse 25
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    4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

  2. Matthew 25:26Rank 2 from verse 25
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    26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

  3. Proverbs 12:24Rank 3 from verse 25
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    24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

  4. Proverbs 19:24Rank 4 from verse 25
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    24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

  5. Proverbs 12:27Rank 5 from verse 25
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    27The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

From verse 26

  1. Psalms 37:26Rank 1 from verse 26
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    26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

  2. Acts 20:33–35Rank 2 from verse 26
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    33I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

    34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

    35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

  3. Psalms 112:9Rank 3 from verse 26
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    9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

  4. Ephesians 4:28Rank 4 from verse 26
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    28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

  5. 1 Thessalonians 2:5–9Rank 5 from verse 26
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    5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

    6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

    7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

    8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

    9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

From verse 27

  1. Isaiah 66:3Rank 1 from verse 27
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    3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

  2. Matthew 23:13Rank 2 from verse 27
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    13¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

  3. Proverbs 15:8Rank 3 from verse 27
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    8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

  4. Jeremiah 6:20Rank 4 from verse 27
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    20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

  5. 1 Samuel 15:21–23Rank 5 from verse 27
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    21But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.

    22And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

    23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

From verse 28

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:13Rank 1 from verse 28
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    13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

  2. Proverbs 19:5Rank 2 from verse 28
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    5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

  3. Proverbs 19:9Rank 3 from verse 28
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    9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

  4. Deuteronomy 19:16–19Rank 4 from verse 28
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    16¶ If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;

    17Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

    18And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;

    19Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

  5. Proverbs 25:18Rank 5 from verse 28
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    18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

From verse 29

  1. 1 Thessalonians 3:11Rank 1 from verse 29
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    11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

  2. Haggai 1:7Rank 2 from verse 29
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    7¶ Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

  3. Proverbs 11:5Rank 3 from verse 29
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    5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

  4. Ezekiel 18:28Rank 4 from verse 29
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    28Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

  5. Haggai 2:18–19Rank 5 from verse 29
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    18Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider it.

    19Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.

From verse 30

  1. Acts 5:39Rank 1 from verse 30
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    39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

  2. Proverbs 19:21Rank 2 from verse 30
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    21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

  3. Jeremiah 9:23Rank 3 from verse 30
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    23¶ Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

  4. Isaiah 14:27Rank 4 from verse 30
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    27For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

  5. 1 Corinthians 3:19–20Rank 5 from verse 30
    Open

    19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

    20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:22

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mighty

↗

Possessing or displaying great strength, power, ability, rank, or effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

strength

↗

Power, might, force, ability, firmness, courage, capacity, support, defence, resources, or that by which a person or thing is enabled to stand, act, endure, overcome, or accomplish a work.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

confidence

↗

Sense 1: Trust, assurance, boldness, or settled reliance. Sense 2: The person or thing in which trust is placed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616 · Cawdrey 1604

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:23

COMBINED MEANING

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

1. The organ of the mouth used for tasting and speech. 2. Speech, words, or a language. 3. A tongue-shaped projection or arm of land or water.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

soul

↗

Sense 1: A living person or creature; a life or self. Sense 2: The inward self distinguished from the body. Sense 3: The seat of desire or appetite.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:24

COMBINED MEANING

name

↗

Sense 1: A word, appellation, or designation by which a person or thing is called or known. Sense 2: The person or persons named or represented. Sense 3: Reputation, character, renown, or remembrance. Sense 4: The authority, behalf, or standing represented by a name. Sense 5: As a verb, to call, designate, or mention by name.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wrath

↗

Fierce anger, indignation, displeasure, rage, or the punitive judgment and destructive action that proceed from it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:25

COMBINED MEANING

desire

↗

Sense 1: A wish, longing, request, pleasure, or thing wished for. Sense 2: To wish for, long for, request, or take pleasure in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

slothful

↗

Lazy, idle, sluggish, negligent, or slow and unwilling to act or labour.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hands

↗

Sense 1: The end parts of the arms used for holding and working. Sense 2: Figures of power, possession, agency, or aid.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

labour

↗

1. Work, toil, effort, exertion, service, or the product of work. 2. Weariness or trouble. 3. Travail in childbirth. 4. To work, strive, serve, or exert oneself.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:26

COMBINED MEANING

coveteth

↗

Third-person singular present form of covet. Sense 1: To desire or long for earnestly. Sense 2: To desire unlawfully or greedily what belongs to another.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

day

↗

Sense 1: Light or the period of light between morning and evening, as distinguished from night. Sense 2: A complete daily cycle. Sense 3: A specified time, occasion, period, age, or season.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

long

↗

Sense 1: Extending a great distance or duration. Sense 2: To desire earnestly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

righteous

↗

Sense 1: Right, just, equitable, or in accord with truth, justice, or the will of God. Sense 2: Upright or innocent in a matter. Sense 3: Made or regarded as right. Sense 4: As a noun, persons so described.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

spareth

↗

Spares: refrains from harming, punishing, using, or destroying; saves, preserves, allows, or uses frugally.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:27

COMBINED MEANING

sacrifice

↗

Sense 1: An offering presented to God or to a false god, or the thing so offered. Sense 2: To present, slay, or consume something as such an offering.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

abomination

↗

Sense 1: A person, thing, act, practice, creature, or condition regarded as detestable or loathsome. Sense 2: An idol or idolatrous thing so regarded.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

mind

↗

Sense 1: The inward faculty and activity of understanding, thought, memory, attention, judgment, intention, purpose, desire, disposition, resolve, or consent; what one thinks, wills, regards, or sets attention upon. Sense 2: To mind is to attend to, regard, remember, purpose, or be disposed toward something.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:28

COMBINED MEANING

false

↗

Not solid or sound; deceiving expectations. Not faithful or loyal; treacherous; perfidious; deceitful.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

witness

↗

Sense 1: A person or thing that attests, testifies, records, or supplies evidence; also testimony, record, or the act of bearing testimony. Sense 2: To see in person, testify, attest, or give evidence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

perish

↗

Sense 1: Of a living person or creature, to die, be killed, be destroyed, or be lost. Sense 2: Of a thing, condition, plan, thought, or work, to be ruined, decay, fail, vanish, or come to nothing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:29

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

face

↗

The front of the head and its countenance or expression; the front, surface, outward appearance, presence, view, or personally known identity of a person, place, or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

upright

↗

1. Honest, just, or morally right; also a person so characterized. 2. Straight, erect, or standing up.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

directeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of direct. Sense 1: To guide, order, or point. Sense 2: To instruct or teach.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 21:30

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

counsel

↗

1. A purpose, plan, design, or settled decision. 2. Advice, guidance, or direction. 3. Wisdom, judgment, or understanding for determining a course. 4. As a verb, to advise, direct, or recommend a course.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

against

↗

Opposed to, contrary to, facing, toward, or in contact with; in some settings, exposed to or ready for a stated time.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

FOLLOW THE THEME

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Surrounding Verses

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21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

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23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

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24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

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25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

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26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

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27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

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28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

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29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

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30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.

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31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.

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