Proverbs 21
1 A king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; he directs it wherever he wishes.
2 A person’s every way seems right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 Doing what is right and just is more pleasing to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Proud eyes and an arrogant heart—the field of the wicked—is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead only to abundance, but everyone who rushes ends up in need.
6 Treasures gained by a lying tongue are a vanishing breath for those who seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 A person’s way is crooked and strange, but the conduct of the pure is upright.
9 Better to live in a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome woman.
10 The wicked person desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple become wise; when the wise are instructed, they gain knowledge.
12 The righteous one pays attention to the house of the wicked and brings the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever shuts his ear to the poor person’s cry will also cry out and not be answered.
14 A gift given in secret calms anger, and a bribe hidden in a cloak, fierce rage.
15 Doing what is just brings joy to the righteous, but ruin to those who practice wickedness.
16 Anyone who strays from the path of good sense will rest among the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves feasting will come to poverty; whoever loves wine and oil will not grow rich.
18 The wicked are a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous take the place of the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and irritable woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in the wise person’s home, but a foolish person devours them.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and faithful love finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise person scales the city of warriors and brings down the stronghold they trust.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 The arrogant and proud person is called a mocker; he acts with insolent fury.
25 The lazy person’s desire kills him, because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves more, but the righteous give without holding back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable; how much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A lying witness will perish, but a person who listens will speak forever.
29 The wicked person puts on a hard face, but the upright person understands his way.
30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel against the LORD.
31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.
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