Proverbs 21

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1} The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants.

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2} All of a person's ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.

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3} To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

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4} Haughty eyes and a proud heart -- the agricultural product of the wicked is sin.

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5} The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

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6} Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death.

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7} The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is right.

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8} The way of the guilty person is devious, but as for the pure, his way is upright.

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9} It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.

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10} The appetite of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes.

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11} When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

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12} The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

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13} The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and will not be answered.

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14} A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath.

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15} Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who do evil.

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16} The one who wanders from the way of wisdom will end up in the company of the departed.

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17} The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich.

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18} The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless are taken in the place of the upright.

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19} It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and easily-provoked woman.

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20} There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish person devours all he has.

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21} The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty, and honor.

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22} The wise person can scale the city of the mighty and bring down the stronghold in which they trust.

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23} The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles.

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24} A proud and arrogant person, whose name is "Scoffer," acts with overbearing pride.

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25} What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands refuse to work.

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26} All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

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27} The wicked person's sacrifice is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent!

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28} A lying witness will perish, but the one who reports accurately speaks forever.

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29} A wicked person shows boldness with his face, but as for the upright, he discerns his ways.

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30} There is no wisdom and there is no understanding, and there is no counsel against the Lord.

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31} A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is from the Lord.