Proverbs 2:21 kjv

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

Proverbs 2:21 nkjv

For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it;

Proverbs 2:21 niv

For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;

Proverbs 2:21 esv

For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,

Proverbs 2:21 nlt

For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.

Proverbs 2 verses

Proverbs 2 21 Meaning

Proverbs 2:21 states that those who are morally upright and of blameless character, reflecting integrity in their actions and motives, will be granted a secure and permanent dwelling in the land. This verse contrasts their destiny with that of the wicked, promising a lasting inheritance and stability as a direct consequence of their adherence to wisdom and divine principles.

Proverbs 2 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 2 opens with an urgent call to embrace wisdom, understanding, and discretion, personified as a diligent search for hidden treasure (vv. 1-5). It establishes that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord, who gives them to the upright (vv. 6-8). The pursuit of wisdom leads to the discerning of righteousness, justice, and equity (v. 9), ultimately delivering one from evil ways, wicked men, and the path of the immoral woman (vv. 10-19). Verses 20-22 serve as a conclusion to this section, contrasting the secure future of those who follow the "way of good" and the "paths of the righteous" with the destruction awaiting the wicked. Proverbs 2:21 specifically articulates the positive consequence for those who adhere to wisdom's instruction, assuring them stable dwelling in contrast to the cutting off of transgressors mentioned in the subsequent verse (v. 22). Historically, for the original Israelite audience, the "land" primarily referred to the Promised Land, symbolizing divine blessing, security, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, contingent upon their faithfulness.

Proverbs 2 21 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): This conjunction indicates a causal or explanatory relationship, stating the reason why the benefits are accrued. It links the prior exhortations to seek wisdom with the resulting positive outcome.
• the upright (יְשָׁרִים, yesharim): This plural noun, derived from the root יָשַׁר (yashar), means straight, level, or right. In a moral context, it signifies those whose lives and conduct are morally straight, honest, and correct in the eyes of God, adhering to His standards. It denotes integrity and adherence to the right path.
• shall dwell (יֵשְׁבוּ, yeshvu): From the verb יָשַׁב (yashav), meaning to sit, dwell, inhabit, or remain. It implies permanence, security, rest, and settled residence. This is a state of peace and undisturbed living.
• in the land (בָּאָרֶץ, ba'aretz): The definite article "the" points to a specific land. For ancient Israel, this refers unequivocally to the Promised Land, given by God as an inheritance. This term encompasses not just geographical location but also the associated covenant blessings of provision, safety, and community in fellowship with God. It represents a tangible manifestation of divine favor and fulfilled promises.
• and the blameless (וּתְמִימִים, utemimim): From the root תָּמַם (tamam), meaning complete, sound, whole, perfect, or innocent. It denotes moral completeness, integrity, and lack of blemish. It's not a claim of sinless perfection, but of sincere devotion, wholeheartedness, and being uncorrupted in one's commitment to God's ways. They are not fragmented by deceit or compromise.
• shall remain in it (יִוָּתְרוּ בָּהּ, yivvatru vah): From the verb יָתַר (yatar), meaning to be left over, remain, or survive. This phrase strongly emphasizes enduring presence and survival, in direct contrast to the subsequent verse which declares the wicked will be "cut off" and "uprooted." It speaks of resilience and preservation through challenges, enjoying an enduring tenure.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "the upright...and the blameless": These two descriptions define the character essential for receiving the promised blessing. "Upright" (יְשָׁרִים) focuses on righteous conduct, living in alignment with God's law. "Blameless" (וּתְמִימִים) speaks to integrity of character, inner purity, and being without moral flaw in one's overall walk. Together, they represent holistic righteousness, both in outward deed and inward disposition.
  • "shall dwell in the land...shall remain in it": These parallel phrases convey a twofold emphasis on permanence and security. "Dwell in the land" signifies enjoying the direct covenant blessings of dwelling in a secure, fruitful place. "Remain in it" reinforces the idea of endurance and survival, suggesting that even as others are removed or uprooted, the righteous will persist and endure in their privileged place of blessing. The repetition highlights the certainty of this destiny.

Proverbs 2 21 Bonus section

The "land" (בָּאָרֶץ, ba'aretz) in this proverb, while primarily referring to the physical land of Israel as a tangible expression of covenant blessing, also carries a broader, symbolic meaning. It can represent a state of divinely secured existence, peace, and prosperity, whether physical or spiritual. In the New Testament, this promise of an inheritance is expanded beyond a geographical location to include a spiritual kingdom, the new heavens and new earth, and eternal life with God (e.g., Matt 5:5; Rev 21). This verse is often cited as an antithetical parallel, where the blessing for the righteous (v. 21) is contrasted sharply with the consequence for the wicked (v. 22). This literary device common in Proverbs underscores the distinct outcomes of choosing different paths, emphasizing the absolute necessity of aligning with God's wisdom. The secure dwelling promised here signifies not merely survival, but thriving and enjoying the fullness of God's provision and presence.

Proverbs 2 21 Commentary

Proverbs 2:21 offers a profound declaration of God's retributive justice, focusing on the blessed outcome for those who diligently pursue and embody wisdom. It delineates a clear bifurcation of destiny: security and stability for the righteous versus destruction for the wicked (as seen in the following verse). The promise of "dwelling in the land" and "remaining in it" speaks to the ultimate divine favor granted to those whose lives are characterized by moral rectitude and integrity. This concept, deeply rooted in Israel's covenant with Yahweh, tied their occupancy of the Promised Land directly to their obedience and fidelity. It assures that God is faithful to sustain those who are faithful to Him. Practically, this verse teaches that genuine well-being, peace, and security are not found in worldly schemes or ungodly pursuits, but are divinely bestowed upon those who align their lives with God's revealed truth, manifesting true uprightness and blameless character. Examples of this principle in daily life could include: a business thriving due to the owner's unwavering honesty and ethical dealings, a family enjoying peace because of consistent adherence to God's principles, or an individual finding contentment and stability by prioritizing righteousness over temporary gains.