Proverbs 21

The Lord Controls Wise And Foolish People 

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                                    1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.                                

                                    1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;He (A)turns it wherever He wishes.                                

                                    1 A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand:He directs it wherever He chooses.(A)                                

                                    1 A king's heart is a water stream that the LORD controls; he directs it wherever he pleases.                                

                                    1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;He turns it whichever way He wishes.(A)                                
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                                    2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.                                

                                    2 (B)Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,But the Lord (C)weighs the hearts.                                

                                    2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,but the Lord evaluates the motives.(a)(B)                                

                                    2 Every man's lifestyle is proper in his own view, but the LORD weighs the heart.                                

                                    2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives].(B)                                
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                                    3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.                                

                                    3 To do (D)righteousness and justiceIs desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.                                

                                    3 Doing what is righteous and justis more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(C)                                

                                    3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.                                

                                    3 To do righteousness and justiceIs more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed].(C)                                
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                                    4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.                                

                                    4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,The (E)lamp of the wicked, is sin.                                

                                    4 The lamp(b) that guides the wicked—haughty eyes and an arrogant heart(D)—is sin.                                

                                    4 A proud attitude, accompanied by a haughty look, is sin;  they reveal wicked people.                                

                                    4 Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart,The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God].                                
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                                    5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.                                

                                    5 The plans of the (F)diligent lead surely to advantage,But everyone (G)who is hasty comes surely to poverty.                                

                                    5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit,but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.(E)                                

                                    5 Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity, but all who are hasty will surely become poor.                                

                                    5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage,But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.                                
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                                    6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.                                

                                    6 The (H)acquisition of treasures by a lying tongueIs a fleeting vapor, the (a)pursuit of (I)death.                                

                                    6 Making a fortune through a lying tongueis a vanishing mist,(c) a pursuit of death.(d)(e)(F)                                

                                    6 A fortune gained by deceit is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.                                

                                    6 Acquiring treasures by a lying tongueIs a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death.                                
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                                    7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.                                

                                    7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,Because they (J)refuse to act with justice.                                

                                    7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them awaybecause they refuse to act justly.                                

                                    7 Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is just.                                

                                    7 The violence of the wicked will [return to them and] drag them away [like fish caught in a net],Because they refuse to act with justice.                                
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                                    8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.                                

                                    8 The way of a guilty man is (K)crooked,But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.                                

                                    8 A guilty man’s conduct is crooked,(G)but the behavior of the innocent is upright.(H)                                

                                    8 The conduct of a guilty man is perverse, but the behavior of the pure is upright.                                

                                    8 The way of the guilty is [exceedingly] crooked,But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.                                
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                                    9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.                                

                                    9 It is better to live in a corner of a roofThan (b)in a house shared with a contentious woman.                                

                                    9 Better to live on the corner of a roofthan to share a house with a nagging wife.(I)                                

                                    9 It's better to live in a corner on the roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.                                

                                    9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop [on the flat roof, exposed to the weather]Than in a house shared with a quarrelsome (contentious) woman.                                
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                                    10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.                                

                                    10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;His (L)neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.                                

                                    10 A wicked person desires evil;he has no consideration(f) for his neighbor.(J)                                

                                    10 The soul of the wicked craves evil; he extends no mercy to his neighbor.                                

                                    10 The soul of the wicked desires evil [like an addictive substance];His neighbor finds no compassion in his eyes.(D)                                
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                                    11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.                                

                                    11 When the (M)scoffer is punished, the (c)naive becomes wise;But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.                                

                                    11 When a mocker is punished,the inexperienced become wiser;when one teaches a wise man,he acquires knowledge.(K)                                

                                    11 When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.                                

                                    11 When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.(E)                                
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                                    12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.                                

                                    12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked,Turning the (N)wicked to ruin.                                

                                    12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked;He brings the wicked to ruin.                                

                                    12 The righteous God considers the house of the wicked, bringing the wicked to ruin.                                

                                    12 The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked—How the wicked are cast down to ruin.                                
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                                    13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.                                

                                    13 He who (O)shuts his ear to the cry of the poorWill also cry himself and not be (P)answered.                                

                                    13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poorwill himself also call out and not be answered.(L)                                

                                    13 Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but he won't be answered.                                

                                    13 Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poorWill cry out himself and not be answered.(F)                                
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                                    14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.                                

                                    14 A (Q)gift in secret subdues anger,And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.                                

                                    14 A secret gift soothes anger,and a covert bribe,(g) fierce rage.(M)                                

                                    14 Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger.                                

                                    14 A gift in secret subdues anger,And a bribe [hidden] in the pocket, strong wrath.                                
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                                    15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.                                

                                    15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,But is (R)terror to the workers of iniquity.                                

                                    15 Justice executed is a joy to the righteousbut a terror to those who practice iniquity.(N)                                

                                    15 Administering justice brings joy to the righteous, but terror to those who practice iniquity.                                

                                    15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, the one in right standing with God),But to the evildoers it is disaster.                                
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                                    16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.                                

                                    16 A man who wanders from the way of understandingWill (S)rest in the assembly of the (d)dead.                                

                                    16 The man who strays from the way of wisdomwill come to restin the assembly of the departed spirits.(O)                                

                                    16 Whoever wanders from the path of understanding will end up where the dead are gathered.                                

                                    16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding (godly wisdom)Will remain in the assembly of the dead.                                
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                                    17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.                                

                                    17 He who (T)loves pleasure will become a poor man;He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.                                

                                    17 The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man;whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.(P)                                

                                    17 Pleasure lovers become poor; loving wine and oil doesn't bring riches.                                

                                    17 He who loves [only selfish] pleasure will become a poor man;He who loves and is devoted to (a)wine and [olive] oil will not become rich.                                
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                                    18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.                                

                                    18 The wicked is a (U)ransom for the righteous,And the (V)treacherous is in the place of the upright.                                

                                    18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous,and the treacherous, for(h) the upright.(Q)                                

                                    18 The wicked are ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.                                

                                    18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,And the treacherous in the place of the upright [for they fall into their own traps].                                
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                                    19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.                                

                                    19 (W)It is better to live in a desert landThan with a contentious and vexing woman.                                

                                    19 Better to live in a wildernessthan with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.(R)                                

                                    19 It's better to live in the wilderness than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.                                

                                    19 It is better to dwell in a desert landThan with a contentious and troublesome woman.                                
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                                    20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.                                

                                    20 There is precious (X)treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise,But a foolish man (Y)swallows it up.                                

                                    20 Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person,but a foolish man consumes them.(i)(S)                                

                                    20 Precious treasures and oil are found where the wise live, but a foolish man devours them.                                

                                    20 There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future],But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.                                
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                                    21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.                                

                                    21 He who (Z)pursues righteousness and loyaltyFinds life, righteousness and honor.                                

                                    21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful lovewill find life, righteousness, and honor.(T)                                

                                    21 Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love finds life, righteousness, and honor.                                

                                    21 He who earnestly seeks righteousness and loyaltyFinds life, righteousness, and honor.(G)                                
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                                    22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.                                

                                    22 A (AA)wise man scales the city of the mightyAnd brings down the (e)stronghold in which they trust.                                

                                    22 A wise person went up against a city of warriorsand brought down its secure fortress.(U)                                

                                    22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, bringing down the fortress in which they trust.                                

                                    22 A wise man scales the city [walls] of the mightyAnd brings down the stronghold in which they trust.                                
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                                    23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.                                

                                    23 He who (AB)guards his mouth and his tongue,Guards his soul from troubles.                                

                                    23 The one who guards his mouth and tonguekeeps himself out of trouble.(V)                                

                                    23 Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.                                

                                    23 He who guards his mouth and his tongueGuards himself from troubles.(H)                                
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                                    24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.                                

                                    24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “(AC)Scoffer,” are his names,Who acts with (AD)insolent pride.                                

                                    24 The proud and arrogant person, named “Mocker,”acts with excessive pride.(W)                                

                                    24 The names "Proud," "Arrogant," and "Mocker" fit whoever acts with presumptuous conceit.                                

                                    24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his namesWho acts with overbearing and insolent pride.                                
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                                    25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.                                

                                    25 The (AE)desire of the sluggard puts him to death,For his hands refuse to work;                                

                                    25 A slacker’s craving will kill himbecause his hands refuse to work.(X)                                

                                    25 What the lazy person craves will kill him, because his hands refuse to work.                                

                                    25 The desire of the lazy kills him,For his hands refuse to labor;                                
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                                    26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.                                

                                    26 All day long he (f)is craving,While the righteous (AF)gives and does not hold back.                                

                                    26 He is filled with craving(j) all day long,but the righteous give and don’t hold back.(Y)                                

                                    26 All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back.                                

                                    26 He craves all the day long [and does no work],But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has].(I)                                
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                                    27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?                                

                                    27 The (AG)sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,How much more when he brings it with evil intent!                                

                                    27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable—how much more sowhen he brings it with ulterior motives!(Z)                                

                                    27 What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable      how much more when he offers it with vile motives!                                

                                    27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable and offensive [to the Lord].How much more [unacceptable and insulting can it be] when he brings it with evil intention?                                
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                                    28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.                                

                                    28 A (AH)false witness will perish,But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.                                

                                    28 A lying witness will perish,(AA)but the one who listens will speak successfully.                                

                                    28 A false witness will perish, but whoever listens will testify successfully.                                

                                    28 A false witness will perish,But a man who listens to the truth will speak forever and go unchallenged.                                
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                                    29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.                                

                                    29 A wicked man (g)(AI)displays a bold face,But as for the (AJ)upright, he makes his way sure.                                

                                    29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,(AB)but the upright man considers his way.                                

                                    29 The wicked man puts up a bold appearance, but the upright thinks about what he is doing.                                

                                    29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,But as for the upright, he considers, directs, and establishes his way [with the confidence of integrity].                                
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                                    30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.                                

                                    30 There is (AK)no wisdom and no understandingAnd no counsel against the Lord.                                

                                    30 No wisdom, no understanding, and no counselwill prevail against the Lord.(AC)                                

                                    30 No wisdom, insight, or counsel can prevail against the LORD.                                

                                    30 There is no [human] wisdom or understandingOr counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.                                
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                                    31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.                                

                                    31 The (AL)horse is prepared for the day of battle,But (AM)victory belongs to the Lord.                                

                                    31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,(AD)but victory comes from the Lord.(AE)  >                                

                                    31 The horse may be prepared for the day of battle, but to the LORD goes the victory.                                

                                    31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,But deliverance and victory belong to the Lord.