Proverbs 21:4 kjv

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

Proverbs 21:4 nkjv

A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.

Proverbs 21:4 niv

Haughty eyes and a proud heart? the unplowed field of the wicked?produce sin.

Proverbs 21:4 esv

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

Proverbs 21:4 nlt

Haughty eyes, a proud heart,
and evil actions are all sin.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 4 Meaning

Proverbs 21:4 reveals the deep sinfulness inherent in two core characteristics: an external display of disdain (haughty eyes) and an internal disposition of arrogance (a proud heart). It then declares that "the lamp of the wicked" – whether interpreted as their guiding principle, their source of light, or the very fruit of their labor – is entirely "sin." This verse teaches that not only are prideful attitudes offensive to God, but everything that stems from such a disposition is fundamentally tainted and constitutes sin in His sight. It underscores that what drives a wicked person and what they achieve, when motivated by self-exaltation, is an abomination.

Proverbs 21 4 Context

Proverbs 21, like much of the book, presents a collection of self-contained aphorisms designed to impart wisdom for godly living. The chapter emphasizes themes such as God's sovereignty over kings and human plans, the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the importance of diligence and justice, and the dangers of various vices including sloth, materialism, and contention. Verse 4 fits directly into this thematic pattern by exposing one of the most fundamental roots of wickedness: pride. By linking the inner state ("proud heart") with its outward manifestation ("haughty eyes") and declaring that their entire essence or outcome ("the lamp of the wicked") is inherently "sin," the verse serves as a foundational ethical statement. Historically and culturally, pride was a well-understood concept often associated with oppressors or those who refused to acknowledge higher authority, including God's. This proverb directly challenges such a spirit of self-exaltation, asserting that true success and favor come not from human arrogance, but from a posture of humility before God. It implicitly polemicizes against the worldview that judges success by human achievement alone, without consideration for moral foundation or divine will.

Proverbs 21 4 Word analysis

• Haughty eyes (Hebrew: רוּם עֵינַיִם, rum ʿenayim):

  • Haughty (rum): Literally "lifted up," "exalted." This refers to a high, arrogant posture or disposition. When applied to the eyes, it denotes a look of contempt, superiority, or disdain, looking down on others, embodying arrogance visible in one's gaze. It is the external symptom of internal pride.
  • Eyes (ʿenayim): In ancient thought, the eyes were considered windows to the soul, expressing one's inner character, attitude, and intentions. This phrase highlights a non-verbal communication of pride and self-importance.

• and a proud heart (Hebrew: וּרְחַב־לֵב, u-rĕḥab-lēb):

  • Proud (rĕḥab): Literally "broad," "wide." When used in conjunction with the heart, it conveys the idea of a heart swollen or expanded with arrogance, full of self-importance and a sense of entitlement. It implies an inflated ego and an inability to be humble or accept correction.
  • Heart (lēb): In Hebrew understanding, the "heart" is not just the seat of emotions but the entire inner person—the mind, will, intellect, and moral center. Thus, a "proud heart" means that pride permeates one's deepest thoughts, desires, and motivations.

• the lamp of the wicked (Hebrew: נִר לָרְשָׁעִים, nir la-rĕšāʿîm):

  • Lamp (nir): This is a significantly debated word.
    • Predominant interpretation (lamp/light): Suggests that whatever illuminates the wicked's path, guides their decisions, or manifests as their ultimate output/legacy is rooted in their proud nature and is thus inherently sinful. It’s their perverted form of "light." This contrasts sharply with God's word being a "lamp" to the feet of the righteous (Ps 119:105).
    • Alternative interpretation (freshly tilled land/first plowing): Derived from a root meaning "to break up" or "cultivate," nir could refer to "freshly broken ground," "fallow land plowed for the first time," or figuratively, the "produce" or "gain" of their labor. In this view, even the most diligent work or achievement by the wicked is stained with sin because it springs from a proud and self-serving heart. Their accomplishments, regardless of appearance, are morally tainted.
  • Of the wicked (la-rĕšāʿîm): Pertaining to those who consistently reject God's moral standards, living in defiance of righteousness and justice.

• are sin (Hebrew: חַטָּאת, ḥaṭṭāʾt):

  • Sin (ḥaṭṭāʾt): The standard biblical term for "missing the mark," deviation from God's standard, disobedience, or offense against Him. The declaration "are sin" is absolute, meaning these characteristics and their fruit are not just leading to sin, but are the very essence of sin itself.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Haughty eyes and a proud heart": This pairing demonstrates the intrinsic link between inner corruption and its outer manifestation. The outward display (eyes) is merely an overflow of the deep-seated inward pride (heart), emphasizing a total state of being that is rooted in self-exaltation.
  • "the lamp of the wicked, are sin": This phrase directly equates the wicked person's defining characteristic and outcome—their "light" or "produce"—with sin itself. It implies that anything that flows from such a proud individual, even what might appear as successful or illuminating, is fundamentally flawed and morally bankrupt in God's eyes. It condemns the very motive force and life work of the wicked.

Proverbs 21 4 Bonus section

The strong identification of these attributes with "sin" itself, rather than merely "leading to sin," underlines the deep theological implications of pride in biblical wisdom. Pride, in this verse, is not simply a transgression but an anti-God stance, defying humility and dependence. This aligns with a major theme throughout Proverbs that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which necessitates a humble recognition of God's sovereignty and one's own created status. The "lamp" imagery connects this proverb with wider biblical themes of light and darkness, where God is light, and His truth guides the righteous (Ps 119:105), while the wicked stumble in their own self-generated darkness (Prov 4:19). Regardless of the interpretation of nir as "lamp" or "plowing," the conclusion is powerfully consistent: anything generated by a proud heart is an offense to God and devoid of true moral worth.

Proverbs 21 4 Commentary

Proverbs 21:4 cuts to the heart of what displeases God. It highlights that pride, whether expressed through arrogant demeanor ("haughty eyes") or manifested as an internal state of self-importance ("proud heart"), is not merely a personality flaw but a profound sin. This inner disposition corrupts every aspect of an individual, rendering "the lamp of the wicked"—that is, whatever guides their life or whatever their life produces—as inherently sinful. Unlike the righteous whose lamp is the truth of God's Word, the wicked are guided by their own darkened, self-serving will. Their entire endeavor, whatever form it takes, is contaminated by pride, which positions itself against God and is an affront to His righteous character. Thus, for the individual trapped in pride, all their perceived successes or motivations are, in divine reality, nothing but sin.