Proverbs 21

1 The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.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; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.15  It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly 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 unfaithful for the upright.19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.20  There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor.22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.24 A proud and haughty man Scoffer is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For 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 intent!28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes 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 deliverance is of the Lord.

PROVERBS 21

The [Lord] Is In Charge

1  t The [Lord] controls rulers,
just as he determines
the course of rivers.

2 We may think we are doing
the right thing,
but the [Lord] always knows
what is in our hearts.

3 Doing what is right and fair
pleases the [Lord]
more than an offering.

4 Evil people are proud
and arrogant,
but sin is the only crop
they produce.t

5 If you plan and work hard,
you will have plenty;
if you hurry to get rich,
you will end up poor.

6 Cheating to get rich
is a foolish dream
and no less than suicide.t

7 You destroy yourself
by being cruel and violent
and refusing to live right.

8 All crooks are liars,
but anyone who is innocent
will do right.

9  t It's better to stay outside
on the roof of your house
than to live inside
with a nagging wife.

10 Evil people want to do wrong,
even to their friends.

11 An ignorant fool learns
by seeing others punished;
a sensible person learns
by being instructed.

12 God is always fair!
He knows what the wicked do
and will punish them.

13 If you won't help the poor,
don't expect to be heard
when you cry out for help.

14 A secret bribe will save you
from someone's fierce anger.

15 When justice is done,
good citizens are glad
and crooks are terrified.

16 If you stop using good sense,
you will find yourself
in the grave.

17 Heavy drinkers and others
who live only for pleasure
will lose all they have.

18 God's people will escape,
but all who are wicked
will pay the price.

19 It's better out in the desert
than at home with a nagging,
complaining wife.

20 Be sensible and store up
precious treasures—
don't waste them
like a fool.

21 If you try to be kind and good,
you will be blessed with life
and goodness and honor.

22 One wise person can defeat
a city full of soldiers
and capture their fortress.

23 Watching what you say
can save you
a lot of trouble.

24 If you are proud and conceited,
everyone will say,
“You're a snob!”

25 If you want too much
and are too lazy to work,
it could be fatal.

26 But people who obey God
are always generous.

27  t The Lord despises the offerings
of wicked people
with evil motives.

28 If you tell lies in court,
you are done for;
only a reliable witness
can do the job.

29 Wicked people bluff their way,
but God's people think
before they take a step.

30 No matter how much you know
or what plans you make,
you can't defeat the [Lord].

31 Even if your army has horses
ready for battle,
the [Lord] will always win.