Proverb for the Day 21:4 — Better If We Don’t!

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

Three things in this wise saying “produce sin.” They’re not things we want to be doing.

While “haughty eyes and a proud heart” may represent a physical act, above all else, they represent inappropriate attitudes.

“High eyes” and “broad heart” don’t really sound that bad – maybe even seem to be good. “High eyes” might suggest something positive – seeing and thinking with vision.

“Broad heart” might suggest a great love and compassion. But this verse is clear that these attitudes “produce sin” – and that’s not good!

So we should understand “haughty eyes and a proud heart” as arrogant, self-serving attitudes – the exact opposite of what we might be thinking.

Finally, there is “the unplowed field of the wicked.” I admit to struggling with this translation because the Hebrew phrase “unplowed field” is also translated as “light” or “lamp.”

But keeping it practical, the best I can do here is to recognize that its something “the wicked” are doing. Don’t be wicked and we don’t have to worry about it…be wicked and whatever we do, won’t be good!

So…to summarize, self-serving thoughts and actions are bad. And so is whatever it is that the wicked are doing or have!