Proverbs 21

21:1

The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

21:2

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

21:3

To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.

21:4

Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin.

21:5

The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.

21:6

Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.

21:7

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.

21:8

The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

21:9

Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

21:10

The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

21:11

When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

21:12

The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.

21:13

Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

21:14

A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.

21:15

Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.

21:16

The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

21:17

He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.

21:18

The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.

21:19

Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.

21:20

Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.

21:21

He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.

21:22

A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

21:23

He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

21:24

Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.

21:25

The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.

21:26

All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.

21:27

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!

21:28

A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.

21:29

A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.

21:30

There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

21:31

A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.