ProverbsChapter 21

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¹The king's heart is like a stream of water in the LORD's hand.
He turns it wherever he wants. ²All a man's ways seem right to him.
But the LORD weighs the heart. ³Doing what is right and fair
pleases the LORD more than sacrifice. ⁴Proud eyes and a proud heart guide the wicked.
They are sin. ⁵The plans of hard workers lead to plenty.
But rushing surely leads to being poor. ⁶Getting rich by a lying tongue
is like a mist that fades away. It is a chase that leads to death. ⁷The violence of the wicked will sweep them away.
This is because they refuse to do what is fair. ⁸The path of a guilty man is crooked.
But an innocent person does what is right. ⁹It is better to live on a corner of the roof
than to share a house with a wife who quarrels. ¹⁰A wicked man's soul longs for evil.
He shows no kindness to his neighbor. ¹¹When a mocker is punished, simple people become wise.
When a wise man is taught, he gains knowledge. ¹²The Righteous One watches the house of the wicked.
He brings the wicked to ruin. ¹³Whoever closes his ears to the cry of the poor
will also cry out and get no answer. ¹⁴A secret gift calms anger.
A hidden bribe calms great rage. ¹⁵When justice is done, those who do right are glad.
But those who do evil are filled with terror. ¹⁶The man who wanders from the path of understanding
will rest in the gathering of the dead. ¹⁷Whoever loves pleasure will become poor.
Whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. ¹⁸The wicked become a ransom for those who do right.
The unfaithful become a ransom for the honest. ¹⁹It is better to live in the desert
than with a wife who argues and is bad-tempered. ²⁰Precious treasure and oil are in the home of the wise.
But a foolish man uses them all up. ²¹Whoever goes after what is right and faithful love
finds life, what is right, and honor. ²²A wise man climbs the walls of a city of mighty men.
He pulls down the fortress they trust in. ²³Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
keeps himself out of trouble. ²⁴The proud and arrogant man is called a mocker.
He acts with too much pride. ²⁵The lazy man's wants will kill him.
This is because his hands refuse to work. ²⁶All day long he wants more.
But those who do right give freely. ²⁷The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful.
It is even worse when it is brought with evil plans! ²⁸A lying witness will die.
But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever. ²⁹A wicked man puts on a bold face.
But an honest man makes his path sure. ³⁰There is no wisdom, no understanding, and no advice
that can win against the LORD. ³¹A horse is made ready for the day of battle.
But the victory belongs to the LORD.