Proverbs 21 (TRV)

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wills.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgement is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 A high look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent are only inclined to abundance, but of everyone that is hasty, only to lack.

6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is vanity tossed back and forwards by those who seek death.

7 The looting of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.

8 The way of man is perverse and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than with a contentious woman and in a shared house

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked, but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.

13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but will not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the inside pocket, strong wrath.

15 It is joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will be to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding will rest in the congregation of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.

21 He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and tears down the strength and confidence of it.

23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

24 A proud and haughty scoffer is his name who acts with proud anger.

25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, because his hands refuse to labor.

26 He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked mind?

28 A false witness will perish, but the man who hears him will speak continuously.

29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he directs his way.

30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but safety is of the LORD.