Proverbs 21:1-Proverbs 22:16 - The Lord Controls Wise And Foolish People
1 A king's heart is a water stream that the LORD controls; he directs it wherever he pleases.
2 Every man's lifestyle is proper in his own view, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 A proud attitude, accompanied by a haughty look, is sin; they reveal wicked people.
5 Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity, but all who are hasty will surely become poor.
6 A fortune gained by deceit is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
7 Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The conduct of a guilty man is perverse, but the behavior of the pure is upright.
9 It's better to live in a corner on the roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked craves evil; he extends no mercy to his neighbor.
11 When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous God considers the house of the wicked, bringing the wicked to ruin.
13 Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but he won't be answered.
14 Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger.
15 Administering justice brings joy to the righteous, but terror to those who practice iniquity.
16 Whoever wanders from the path of understanding will end up where the dead are gathered.
17 Pleasure lovers become poor; loving wine and oil doesn't bring riches.
18 The wicked are ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 It's better to live in the wilderness than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.
20 Precious treasures and oil are found where the wise live, but a foolish man devours them.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, bringing down the fortress in which they trust.
23 Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 The names "Proud," "Arrogant," and "Mocker" fit whoever acts with presumptuous conceit.
25 What the lazy person craves will kill him, because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back.
27 What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable how much more when he offers it with vile motives!
28 A false witness will perish, but whoever listens will testify successfully.
29 The wicked man puts up a bold appearance, but the upright thinks about what he is doing.
30 No wisdom, insight, or counsel can prevail against the LORD.
31 The horse may be prepared for the day of battle, but to the LORD goes the victory.
1 A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common the LORD created both of them.
3 The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences.
4 The reward of humility is the fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life.
5 Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them.
6 Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.
7 The wealthy rule over the poor, and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender.
8 Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon will be destroyed.
9 Whoever is generous will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
10 Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too; furthermore, quarrels and discord will end.
11 Whoever loves purity and gracious speech will gain the king as his friend.
12 The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the unfaithful.
13 The lazy person says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the street!"
14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; a man experiencing the LORD's wrath will fall into it.
15 A child's heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss.