Proverbs 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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