Proverbs 21:4
Loftiness of eyes, and ambition of heart—the lamp of the lawless, are sin.
The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham
In The King James Version
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
In Context
3To do righteousness and justice, is more choice to Yahweh than sacrifice.
5The plans of the diligent, tend only to abundance, but, of every one that is urgent, only to want.
Cross References
Job 18:6The light, hath darkened in his tent, Yea, his lamp above him, goeth out;
Psalms 101:5He that uttereth slander in secret against his friend, him, will I root out; One of lofty eyes, and of an ambitious heart, him shall I not be able to endure.
Proverbs 6:16These six things, doth Yahweh hate, yea, seven, are the abomination of his soul:—
Proverbs 8:13The reverence of Yahweh, is to hate wickedness: pride, arrogance, and the way of wickedness; And a mouth of perverse things, do I hate.
Proverbs 21:27The sacrifice of the lawless, is an abomination, how much more, when, with wickedness, he bringeth it in!
Isaiah 2:11The lofty looks of mean men, shall be humbled, And, the haughtiness of great men, shall be bowed down,—And Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:4
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Here, 1. It is implied that many deceive themselves with a conceit that, if they offer sacrifice, that will excuse them from doing justice, and procure them a dispensation for their unrighteousness; and this makes their way seem right, v. 2 . We have fasted, Isa. lviii. 3 . I have peace-offerings with me, Prov. vii. 14 . 2. It is plainly declared that living a good life (doing justly and loving mercy) is more pleasing to God than the most… Read the whole commentary →