He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion
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 Proverbs 2:4-5. The call to pursue these virtues aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and righteousness as foundational to the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

finds life
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 Deuteronomy 30:19-20, 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 (Proverbs 14:12). The New Testament reinforces this concept, with Jesus offering abundant life to those who follow Him (John 10:10).

righteousness
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 Galatians 6:7-9, 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.

and honor
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 (Proverbs 22:4). 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 (Matthew 23:12).

1. Solomon
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.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing them with wisdom literature to guide their daily lives and spiritual practices.

3. The Pursuer
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.Pursuit of Righteousness
Righteousness is not a passive state but an active pursuit. It involves making daily choices that align with God's standards and commands.

Loving Devotion (Chesed)
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.

Promise of Life, Righteousness, and Honor
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.

Holistic Blessings
The rewards of pursuing righteousness and loving devotion are comprehensive, affecting one's spiritual, moral, and social standing.

Active Faith
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.(21) Righteousness and mercy.--He who endeavours to give God and man their due (see above on 10:2), and to shew love to them (Proverbs 3:3), will gain for himself length of days (Proverbs 3:16) power to live more and more uprightly, and present honour from God and man for so doing. In a higher sense he will gain life eternal now and hereafter (John 17:3), righteousness, or the forgiveness of sins (Romans 2:13), and honour (Romans 8:30) at the last day, when he will be acknowledged as a true son of God (Romans 8:19). . . . Verse 21. - He that followeth after righteousness and mercy. "Righteousness" (tsedakah), 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" (chesed) is the conduct towards others, animated by love and sympathy (see note on Proverbs 3:3). Findeth life, righteoushess, and honor. "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 (Job 29:14; Job 33:26). "Life" is a long and prosperous life in the world (Proverbs 3:16); "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 Proverbs 22:4. "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" (Matthew 6:33).

Parallel Commentaries ...


He who pursues
רֹ֭דֵף (rō·ḏêp̄)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

righteousness
צְדָקָ֣ה (ṣə·ḏā·qāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

and loving devotion
וָחָ֑סֶד (wā·ḥā·seḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

finds
יִמְצָ֥א (yim·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

life,
חַ֝יִּ֗ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

righteousness,
צְדָקָ֥ה (ṣə·ḏā·qāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

and honor.
וְכָבֽוֹד׃ (wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness


Proverbs 21:21 NIV
Proverbs 21:21 NLT
Proverbs 21:21 ESV
Proverbs 21:21 NASB
Proverbs 21:21 KJV

Proverbs 21:21 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 21:21 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 21:21 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 21:21 French Bible
Proverbs 21:21 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness (Prov. Pro Pr)