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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who pursues righteousness and lovingkindness Finds life, righteousness, and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who earnestly seeks righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you try to be kind and good, you will be blessed with life and goodness and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty, and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is pursuing righteousness and kindness, "" Finds life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He pursuing justice and mercy shall find life, justice and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice, and glory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever follows justice and mercy shall discover life, justice, and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who seeks after righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that seeks righteousness and grace finds life, righteousness and glory.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that followeth after righteousness and mercy Findeth life, prosperity, and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4298" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: rō·ḏêp̄ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">He who pursues</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ṣə·ḏā·qāh (N-fs) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: wā·ḥā·seḏ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">and loving devotion</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: yim·ṣā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">finds</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ṣə·ḏā·qāh (N-fs) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">righteousness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">and honor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a></span><br />Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></span><br />But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Romans 2:7</a></span><br />To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">1 Timothy 6:11</a></span><br />But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a></span><br />Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-17.htm">Isaiah 32:17</a></span><br />The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27-29</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. / For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. / The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-18.htm">James 3:18</a></span><br />Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">1 Peter 3:11</a></span><br />He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Galatians 6:8-9</a></span><br />The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Philippians 1:11</a></span><br />filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-1.htm">Isaiah 51:1</a></span><br />“Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a></span><br />Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Proverbs 15:9</a></b></br> The way of the wicked <i>is</i> an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/51-1.htm">Isaiah 51:1</a></b></br> Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock <i>whence</i> ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit <i>whence</i> ye are digged.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/6-3.htm">Hosea 6:3</a></b></br> Then shall we know, <i>if</i> we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter <i>and</i> former rain unto the earth.</p><p class="hdg">findeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Proverbs 22:4</a></b></br> By humility <i>and</i> the fear of the LORD <i>are</i> riches, and honour, and life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Romans 2:7-10</a></b></br> To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></b></br> Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Followeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Prosperity</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Followeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Prosperity</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Pursues</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion</b><br>The pursuit of righteousness and loving devotion is a central theme in biblical teaching, emphasizing a life dedicated to God's standards and love. Righteousness in the Old Testament often refers to living in accordance with God's laws and commands, reflecting a life of integrity and moral uprightness. Loving devotion, or "chesed" in Hebrew, signifies steadfast love, kindness, and loyalty, often used to describe God's covenantal love for His people. This pursuit is not passive but requires active engagement and commitment, akin to the diligent seeking of wisdom described in <a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Proverbs 2:4-5</a>. The call to pursue these virtues aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and righteousness as foundational to the Kingdom of God (<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>).<p><b>finds life</b><br>In biblical terms, "life" often transcends mere physical existence, encompassing spiritual vitality and eternal life. The promise of finding life through righteousness and loving devotion echoes the covenantal blessings found in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a>, where choosing life involves loving and obeying God. This life is characterized by peace, fulfillment, and a deep relationship with God, contrasting with the path of wickedness that leads to death (<a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a>). The New Testament reinforces this concept, with Jesus offering abundant life to those who follow Him (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>).<p><b>righteousness</b><br>The repetition of "righteousness" underscores its importance and the transformative power it holds. In this context, righteousness is both the pursuit and the reward, suggesting a cyclical relationship where living righteously leads to further righteousness. This aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-9</a>, where those who sow to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. The pursuit of righteousness is a lifelong journey, reflecting the sanctification process in a believer's life.<p><b>and honor</b><br>Honor in the biblical sense involves respect, dignity, and a good reputation, often bestowed by God and others as a result of righteous living. This concept is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature, where honor is portrayed as a reward for humility and the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Proverbs 22:4</a>). The pursuit of righteousness and loving devotion leads to honor, not as an end in itself, but as a natural outcome of a life aligned with God's will. This mirrors the teachings of Jesus, who taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted (<a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing them with wisdom literature to guide their daily lives and spiritual practices.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuer.htm">The Pursuer</a></b><br>The individual who actively seeks righteousness and loving devotion, as described in this verse. This person is characterized by their intentional pursuit of godly virtues.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_righteousness.htm">Pursuit of Righteousness</a></b><br>Righteousness is not a passive state but an active pursuit. It involves making daily choices that align with God's standards and commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loving_devotion.htm">Loving Devotion (Chesed)</a></b><br>The Hebrew word "chesed" often translated as loving devotion or mercy, implies a steadfast love and loyalty. Pursuing this means cultivating a heart that reflects God's love and faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/promise_of_life,_righteousness,_and_honor.htm">Promise of Life, Righteousness, and Honor</a></b><br>The verse promises that those who pursue righteousness and loving devotion will find life, righteousness, and honor. This suggests that God's blessings are both spiritual and practical, impacting our lives holistically.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holistic_blessings.htm">Holistic Blessings</a></b><br>The rewards of pursuing righteousness and loving devotion are comprehensive, affecting one's spiritual, moral, and social standing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_faith.htm">Active Faith</a></b><br>This verse encourages believers to actively engage in their faith journey, seeking to embody the virtues of righteousness and loving devotion in all aspects of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_righteous_suffer_despite_promises.htm">Proverbs 21:21: How can this promise of life, prosperity, and honor be reconciled with the reality that many righteous and loving people suffer hardship or persecution? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'joseph_was_a_just_man'_mean.htm">What does "Joseph was a just man" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_one_live_for_righteousness.htm">How can one live for righteousness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_not_treat_everyone_with_kindness.htm">Why not treat everyone with kindness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Righteousness and mercy.</span>--He who endeavours to give God and man their due (see above on 10:2), and to shew love to them (<a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm" title="Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them on the table of your heart:">Proverbs 3:3</a>), will gain for himself length of days (<a href="/proverbs/3-16.htm" title="Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.">Proverbs 3:16</a>) power to live more and more uprightly, and present honour from <span class= "ital">God </span>and man for so doing. In a higher sense he will gain life eternal now and hereafter (<a href="/john/17-3.htm" title="And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.">John 17:3</a>), righteousness, or the forgiveness of sins (<a href="/romans/2-13.htm" title="(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.">Romans 2:13</a>), and honour (<a href="/romans/8-30.htm" title="Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.">Romans 8:30</a>) at the last day, when he will be acknowledged as a true son of God (<a href="/romans/8-19.htm" title="For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.">Romans 8:19</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that followeth after righteousness and mercy.</span> "Righteousness" (<span class="accented">tsedakah</span>), in the first hemistich, signifies the virtue which renders to all, God and man, their due, which is the characteristic of the righteous man (see on Proverbs 15:9). "Mercy" (<span class="accented">chesed</span>) is the conduct towards others, animated by love and sympathy (see note on Proverbs 3:3). <span class="cmt_word">Findeth life, righteoushess, and honor.</span> "Righteousness" here is the gift of God to his faithful servants, grace to live a holy life. This becomes habit, and forms the righteous character (<a href="/job/29-14.htm">Job 29:14</a>; <a href="/job/33-26.htm">Job 33:26</a>). "Life" is a long and prosperous life in the world (<a href="/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16</a>); "honour" is respect and reverence among fellow men, and glory in another world. "Whom he justified, them he also glorified" (Romans 8:80). "Life and honour" stand together in <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Proverbs 22:4</a>. "The fear of the Lord," says Siracides, "is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing... maketh a merry heart... and giveth long life "(Ecclus. 1:11, etc.). The LXX. omits the second "righteousness" by mistake: "The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory" (<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He who pursues</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֭דֵף</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ḏêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">צְדָקָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḏā·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and loving devotion</span><br /><span class="heb">וָחָ֑סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(wā·ḥā·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">finds</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְצָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(yim·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life,</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֝יִּ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">righteousness,</span><br /><span class="heb">צְדָקָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḏā·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and honor.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָבֽוֹד׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness (Prov. 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