Proverbs 21
1A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever he chooses.2
3All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs hearts.4
5Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.6
7The lamp that guides the wicked — haughty eyes and an arrogant heart — is sin.8
9The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.10
11Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.12
13The violence of the wicked sweeps them away because they refuse to act justly.14
15A guilty one’s conduct is crooked, but the behavior of the innocent is upright.16
17Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.18
19A wicked person desires evil; he has no consideration for his neighbor.20
21When a mocker is punished, the inexperienced become wiser; when one teaches a wise man, he acquires knowledge.22
23The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he brings the wicked to ruin.24
25The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered.26
27A secret gift soothes anger, and a covert bribe, fierce rage.28
29Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to evildoers.30
31The person who strays from the way of prudence will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.32
33The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.34
35The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous, for the upright.36
37Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.38
39Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them.40
41The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.42
43A wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down its secure fortress.44
45The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.46
47The arrogant and proud person, named “Mocker,” acts with excessive arrogance.48
49A slacker’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work.50
51He is filled with craving all day long, but the righteous give and don’t hold back.52
53The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable — how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives!54
55A lying witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak successfully.56
57A wicked person puts on a bold face, but the upright one considers his way.58
59No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel will prevail against the Lord.60
61A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.62
3All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs hearts.4
5Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.6
7The lamp that guides the wicked — haughty eyes and an arrogant heart — is sin.8
9The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.10
11Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.12
13The violence of the wicked sweeps them away because they refuse to act justly.14
15A guilty one’s conduct is crooked, but the behavior of the innocent is upright.16
17Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.18
19A wicked person desires evil; he has no consideration for his neighbor.20
21When a mocker is punished, the inexperienced become wiser; when one teaches a wise man, he acquires knowledge.22
23The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he brings the wicked to ruin.24
25The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered.26
27A secret gift soothes anger, and a covert bribe, fierce rage.28
29Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to evildoers.30
31The person who strays from the way of prudence will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.32
33The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.34
35The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous, for the upright.36
37Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.38
39Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them.40
41The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.42
43A wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down its secure fortress.44
45The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.46
47The arrogant and proud person, named “Mocker,” acts with excessive arrogance.48
49A slacker’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work.50
51He is filled with craving all day long, but the righteous give and don’t hold back.52
53The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable — how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives!54
55A lying witness will perish, but the one who listens will speak successfully.56
57A wicked person puts on a bold face, but the upright one considers his way.58
59No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel will prevail against the Lord.60
61A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.62