21:1 The king’s heart1
is in the hand2
of the LORD as channels of water;3
He turns it wherever He wants.
21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his eyes,
but the LORD weighs the hearts.4
21:3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable5
to the LORD than6
sacrifice.
21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
the tillage7
of the wicked is sin.
21:5 The plans of the diligent8
lead9
only to plenty,10
but every one who is hasty only to poverty.11
21:6 Making a fortune12
by a lying tongue
is a vapor driven to and fro;13
they seek death.14
21:7 The violence15
of the wicked shall drag them away
because16
they refuse to do what is right.17
21:8 The way of the guilty person18
is devious,19
but as for the pure,20
his way is upright.
21:9 It is better to dwell on a corner of the housetop21
than in a house in common22
with a quarrelsome wife.23
21:10 The soul24
of the wicked desires25
evil;
his neighbor is shown no favor26
in his eyes.
21:11 When a scorner is punished the simple27
gain wisdom;
when a wise person is instructed,28
he gets knowledge.
21:12 The Righteous One29
considers30
the house31
of the wicked,
He overthrows the wicked32
to their ruin.33
21:13 The person who shuts his ears34
to the cry35
of the poor
he too will cry out and not be answered.36
21:14 A gift37
in secret subdues38
anger,
and a bribe given secretly39
subdues40
strong wrath.41
21:15 Doing42
justice brings43
joy to the righteous
and terror44
to the workers of iniquity.
21:16 The one who wanders45
from the way of wisdom46
shall rest47
in the company of the departed.48
21:17 The one who loves49
pleasure50
shall be a poor person;51
whoever loves wine and oil52
shall not be rich.
21:18 The wicked become53
a ransom54
for the righteous,
and the faithless55
in the place of the upright.
21:19 It is better to dwell56
in a desert land57
than with a quarrelsome and easily excited58
woman.
21:20 There is desirable treasure and oil59
in the dwelling of the wise,
but a foolish person60
devours all he has.61
21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love62
finds life, bounty,63
and honor.
21:22 The wise person64
can scale65
the city of the mighty
and bring down the stronghold66
in which they trust.67
21:23 The one who guards his mouth and his tongue68
keeps his life69
from troubles.70
21:24 A proud71
and arrogant person, whose name is Scoffer,
acts72
with overbearing pride.73
21:25 The desire74
of the sluggard kills him,75
for his hands76
refuse to work.
21:26 All day long he craves greedily,77
but the righteous gives and spares not.78
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked79
is an abomination;
How much more80
when he brings it with wickedness.81
21:28 A lying witness82
will perish,83
but the one who reports accurately84
speaks forever.85
21:29 A wicked person86
shows boldness with his face,87
but as for the upright,88
he discerns89
his ways.
21:30 There is no wisdom, and there is no understanding,
and there is no counsel against90
the LORD.91
21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory is of the LORD.92