Proverbs 21:1-Proverbs 22:16 - The Lord Controls Wise And Foolish People
1 Jehovah controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream. He turns it where ever he wishes.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Jehovah measures the hearts.
3 To practice righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, and the arrogance and pride produced by the wicked are sin.
5 The ideas of the diligent tend only to abundance. But of the one who is hasty it leads to poverty.
6 Wealth acquired by lying is fleeting vapor and a deadly pursuit.
7 The violence done by the wicked will destroy them because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The guilty travel a crooked path. The pure walk on a straight road.
9 It is better to dwell on the corner of the roof than to share the house with a contentious (combative) woman.
10 The wicked person desires evil. His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished the simple (naive) is made wise. When the wise is instructed he gains knowledge.
12 The righteous considers the house of the wicked but overthrows the wicked to their ruin.
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he also will cry, but will not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger. A bribe behind the back provokes strong anger.
15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice. Destruction will come to those who do evil.
16 The man who wanders from the way of understanding will remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 He that loves pleasure will be poor. He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell alone in the wilderness than with an angry contentious (quarreling and angry) woman.
20 The wise have wealth and luxury but a fool spends all he gets.
21 He who pursues righteousness and love find life, prosperity and honor.
22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and holds his tongue stays out of trouble.
24 Proud and haughty mocker is his name. He acts with overbearing pride.
25 The desire of the lazy killed him for his hands refuse to work.
26 He coveted greedily all the daylong, but the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination! How much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness will perish, but the man who hears the truth will speak forever.
29 A wicked man hardens his face. The upright proceeds with care.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Jehovah!
31 The horse has prepared the day of battle. However, deliverance is from Jehovah.
1 A good name is better than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together (are alike) (have a common bond) for Jehovah created them both.
3 A prudent man sees evil and takes refuge. The simple (fool) (inexperienced) keep going and suffers.
4 Respect for Jehovah and humility bring riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the wicked. He who guards his life will stay far away from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He who sows unrighteousness will reap vanity. The rod of his anger will fail.
9 He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed for he gives of his bread to the poor.
10 Throw out the scoffer and contention will go away, yes, strife and reproach will cease.
11 He who loves pureness of heart, for the charm of his lips the king will be his friend.
12 The eyes of Jehovah preserve knowledge. He overthrows the words of the unfaithful.
13 The lazy man says: There is a lion outside. I will be killed in the streets.
14 The mouth of the adulterous is a deep pit. The one who is cursed by Jehovah will fall into it.
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. The rod of discipline (instruction) will drive it far from him.
16 He who gets ahead by oppressing the poor and giving to the rich will certainly suffer loss.