Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 21:4

4 An high look , and a proud heart , and the plowing of the wicked, is sin .

One gesture or sign of Pride put for all the rest. Prov. 6. 17.

Pride lurking and reigning in the Heart, though it do not discover it self to men by outward actions, but be disguised with a shew▪ of humility, as it is frequently.

Either 1. strictly and properly so called: even their civil or natural actions, which in themselves are lawful and good, are made sinful as they are managed by ungodly men, without any regard to the service and glory of God, which ought to be the great end of all our actions, 1 Cor. 10. 31. and with a design of serving their own wicked lusts by it. Or 2. Metaphorically, their designs and endeavours, which are said to be sin, because they are wholly and fully set upon sin, and they make sin their trade or business, which is called Plowing wickedness, Job 4. 8. But all the ancient Interpreters, and divers others render the word the Lamp or Light, as this Hebrew word, even thus pointed, is rendred, 1 Kings 11. 36. & 15. 4. 2 Kings 8. 19. 2 Chron. 21. 7. and the Lamp of the wicked is a Phrase used in this Book, Ch. 13. 9. & 24. 20. as also, Iob 21. 17. whereas the Plowing of the wicked is a Phrase not elsewhere used. And this seems best to agree with the Context, for by their Lamp he seems to understand all their pomp and glory, that worldly greatness and Prosperity, which is the Fewel of their Pride, and therefore is most fitly joyned with it.

It is by them turned into sin, and made the occasion of much wickedness. The whole Verse may be thus rendred, An high look, and a proud Heart, which is the light or glory of the wicked (i. e. wherein they glory, esteeming it magnanimity or gallantry of spirit) is sin, i. e. is a great and grievous sin. And in this manner the learned Mercer renders the Verse, save onely that he translates the Hebrew word Nir, the Plowing.

Marginal references: Ch. 6. 17.; Heb. haughtiness of eyes.; Or, the light of the wicked.