Proverbs 21
[1] The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will.
[2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
[3] To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
[4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
[5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
[6] The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
[7] The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
because they refuse to do what is just.
[8] The way of the guilty is crooked,
but the conduct of the pure is upright.
[9] It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
[10] The soul of the wicked desires evil;
his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
[11] When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
[12] The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;
he throws the wicked down to ruin.
[13] Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself call out and not be answered.
[14] A gift in secret averts anger,
and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
[15] When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
[16] One who wanders from the way of good sense
will rest in the assembly of the dead.
[17] Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
[18] The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
and the traitor for the upright.
[19] It is better to live in a desert land
than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
[20] Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling,
but a foolish man devours it.
[21] Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
[22] A wise man scales the city of the mighty
and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
[23] Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
[24] “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
who acts with arrogant pride.
[25] The desire of the sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
[26] All day long he craves and craves,
but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
[27] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
[28] A false witness will perish,
but the word of a man who hears will endure.
[29] A wicked man puts on a bold face,
but the upright gives thought to his ways.
[30] No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
can avail against the LORD.
[31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the LORD. (ESV)
