For the upright
The term "upright" in Hebrew is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), which conveys a sense of being straight, level, or right. In the biblical context, it refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. The upright are those who align their lives with divine wisdom and righteousness. Historically, the concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience and moral integrity are paramount. The upright are promised blessings and stability, reflecting God's favor upon those who walk in His ways.

will inhabit the land
The phrase "will inhabit the land" is significant in the Hebrew Bible, often symbolizing God's promise of security, prosperity, and peace. The land, in this context, is not just a physical territory but represents a place of divine blessing and fulfillment of God's promises. For the Israelites, the land was a tangible sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. To inhabit the land implies a settled, enduring presence, suggesting that those who are upright will enjoy God's provision and protection in a stable and lasting manner.

and the blameless
The word "blameless" is translated from the Hebrew "תָּמִים" (tamim), meaning complete, whole, or without defect. In a spiritual sense, it refers to those who live with integrity and sincerity, whose lives are marked by a wholehearted devotion to God. The blameless are not sinless but are characterized by a consistent pursuit of righteousness and a desire to live in harmony with God's will. This term underscores the importance of inner purity and moral wholeness in the life of a believer.

will remain in it
The phrase "will remain in it" suggests permanence and stability. In the biblical narrative, remaining in the land is contingent upon faithfulness to God's commandments. It implies a continued blessing and presence in the place of God's provision. Historically, the Israelites' tenure in the Promised Land was directly linked to their obedience to God. For the blameless, remaining in the land signifies a life that is secure and anchored in God's promises, reflecting a steadfast relationship with the Creator. This assurance of permanence is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God's covenant with those who are faithful.

1. The Upright
Refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles, demonstrating integrity and righteousness in their actions.

2. The Blameless
Individuals who are morally pure and free from guilt, living lives that are pleasing to God.

3. The Land
Symbolically represents the blessings and promises of God, often associated with the Promised Land given to the Israelites.

4. Solomon
The author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, who compiled these sayings to instruct others in godly living.

5. Israel
The nation to whom the original audience of Proverbs belonged, often seen as the recipients of God's covenant promises.The Importance of Righteous Living
Emphasize that living uprightly and blamelessly is not just about following rules but about cultivating a heart aligned with God's will.

God's Promises to the Faithful
Highlight that God's promises are often conditional upon our faithfulness and obedience, as seen in the promise of inhabiting the land.

Spiritual Inheritance
Encourage believers to view the "land" as a metaphor for spiritual blessings and eternal life, which are promised to those who live righteously.

The Role of Integrity
Stress the importance of integrity in all aspects of life, as it leads to stability and security in God's promises.

Contrast with the Wicked
Discuss how the fate of the upright contrasts with that of the wicked, who are often uprooted and lack lasting security.(21) The upright shall dwell in the land--i.e., of Canaan, according to the old promise made to Abraham, renewed in the fifth commandment, and constantly repeated in the prophets.

Verse 21. - For the upright shall dwell in the land. Much the same language is met with in Psalm 37:29, "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." It is the secure and peaceful dwelling in the land which is intended (cf. Proverbs 10:30). To dwell in the land was always put forward as the reward of obedience to God's commandments (see Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 25:18; Leviticus 26:5), and the phrase conveyed to the Hebrew mind the idea of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all temporal blessings. The love of country was a predominant characteristic of the race. Elster, quoted by Zockler, remarks, "The Israelite was beyond the power of natural feeling, which makes home dear to every one, more closely bound to the ancestral soil by the whole form of the theocracy; torn kern it, he was in the inmost roots of life strained and broken. Especially from psalms belonging to the period of the exile this patriotic feeling is breathed out in the fullest glow and intensity." The land (אָרֶצ arets) was the promised land, the land of Canaan. The word is not used here in the wider sense in which it occurs in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." And the perfect shall remain in it; i.e. they shall not, as Rabbi Levi remarks, be driven thence nor caused to migrate. The perfect (תְמִימִים th'mimim), the holy (LXX., ὅσιοι), the spotless (immaeulati, Targum), those without a staid (qui sine labe, Syriae), the guileless (simplices, Vulgate). Shall remain; יִוָּתְרוּ (yivrath'ru), niph. future of יָתַר (yathar), properly "to be redundant," and in the niph. form, "to be left," or "to remain." LXX., ὑπολειφθήσαντι "shall remain;" permanebunt, Vulgate.

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the upright
יְשָׁרִ֥ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

will inhabit
יִשְׁכְּנוּ‪‬‪‬ (yiš·kə·nū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

the land,
אָ֑רֶץ (’ā·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and the blameless
וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים (ū·ṯə·mî·mîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth

will remain in it;
יִוָּ֥תְרוּ (yiw·wā·ṯə·rū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:21 For the upright will dwell (Prov. Pro Pr)