Proverbs

Chapter 21

New King James Version

1The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [Like] the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. 3To do righteousness and justice [Is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4A haughty look, a proud heart, [And] the plowing of the wicked [are] sin. 5The plans of the diligent [lead] surely to plenty, But [those of] everyone [who is] hasty, surely to poverty. 6Getting treasures by a lying tongue [Is] the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. 7The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice. 8The way of a guilty man [is] perverse; But [as for] the pure, his work [is] right. 9Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12The righteous [God] wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for [their] wickedness. 13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. 14A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15[It is] a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction [will come] to the workers of iniquity. 16A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17He who loves pleasure [will be] a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright. 19Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. 20[There is] desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. 21He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor. 22A wise [man] scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. 23Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. 24A proud [and] haughty [man -- "Scoffer" is] his name; He acts with arrogant pride. 25The desire of the lazy [man] kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 26He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare. 27The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination; How much more [when] he brings it with wicked intent! 28A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears [him] will speak endlessly. 29A wicked man hardens his face, But [as for] the upright, he establishes his way. 30[There is] no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD. 31The horse [is] prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance [is] of the LORD.

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