Proverbs 21:4 Meaning and Explanation
“An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pride and arrogance are inherently sinful; even the wicked person's labor is morally tainted by a proud heart.
The Context of Proverbs 21:4
Pride is the root sin that contaminates even labor.
What Does Proverbs 21:4 Mean?
Three expressions describe sin here: a high (haughty) look, a proud heart, and the wicked person's plowing—their work or effort. The point is that even when the wicked accomplish something, their arrogance corrupts it. Pride precedes and taints all their endeavors.
Sin is not merely bad actions, but a condition of the heart that poisons everything it touches. A proud spirit alienates one from God and others, making it impossible to act rightly no matter how diligent the outward effort.
Proverbs 21:4 in the Original Language
nir (נִיר), 'plowing' — the work of tilling soil, used metaphorically for one's labor or enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:4
What does Proverbs 21:4 mean?
Pride and arrogance are inherently sinful; even the wicked person's labor is morally tainted by a proud heart.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:4?
Pride is the root sin that contaminates even labor.