Proverbs 21
21:1 The king’s heart1 is in the hand2 of the
he turns it wherever he wants.
21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion,4
but the
21:3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable7 to the
21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart –
the agricultural product9 of the wicked is sin.
21:5 The plans of the diligent10 lead11 only to plenty,12
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.13
21:6 Making a fortune14 by a lying tongue is like15 a vapor driven back and forth;16
they seek death.17
21:7 The violence18 done by the wicked19 will drag them away
because20 they refuse to do what is right.21
21:8 The way of the guilty person22 is devious,23
but as for the pure,24 his way is upright.
21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop25
than in a house in company26 with a quarrelsome wife.27
21:10 The appetite28 of the wicked desires29 evil;
his neighbor is shown no favor30 in his eyes.
21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive31 becomes wise;
when a wise person is instructed,32 he gains knowledge.
21:12 The Righteous One33 considers34 the house35 of the wicked;
he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.36
21:13 The one who shuts his ears37 to the cry38 of the poor,
he too will cry out and will not be answered.39
21:14 A gift given40 in secret subdues41 anger,
and a bribe given secretly42 subdues43 strong wrath.44
21:15 Doing45 justice brings46 joy to the righteous
and terror47 to those who do evil.
21:16 The one who wanders48 from the way of wisdom49
will end up50 in the company of the departed.51
21:17 The one who loves52 pleasure53 will be54 a poor person;55
whoever loves wine and anointing oil56 will not be rich.
21:18 The wicked become57 a ransom58 for the righteous,
and the faithless59 are taken60 in the place of the upright.
21:19 It is better to live61 in a desert land62
than with a quarrelsome and easily-provoked63 woman.
21:20 There is desirable treasure and olive oil64 in the dwelling of the wise,
but a foolish person65 devours all he has.66
21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love67
finds life, bounty,68 and honor.
21:22 The wise person69 can scale70 the city of the mighty
and bring down the stronghold71 in which they trust.72
21:23 The one who guards his mouth and his tongue73
keeps his life74 from troubles.75
21:24 A proud76 and arrogant77 person, whose name is “Scoffer,”78
acts79 with overbearing pride.80
21:25 What the sluggard desires81 will kill him,82
for his hands83 refuse to work.
21:26 All day long he craves greedily,84
but the righteous gives and does not hold back.85
21:27 The wicked person’s sacrifice86 is an abomination;
how much more87 when he brings it with evil intent!88
21:28 A lying witness89 will perish,90
but the one who reports accurately speaks forever.91
21:29 A wicked person92 shows boldness with his face,93
but as for the upright,94 he discerns95 his ways.
21:30 There is no wisdom and there is no understanding,
and there is no counsel against96 the
21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory is from the