21:1  The king's heart is {like} channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

21:2  Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.

21:3  To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.

21:4  Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

21:5  The plans of the diligent {lead} surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty {comes} surely to poverty.

21:6  The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.

21:7  The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice.

21:8  The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

21:9  It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

21:10  The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

21:11  When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

21:12  The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.

21:13  He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.

21:14  A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

21:15  The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

21:16  A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

21:17  He who loves pleasure {will become} a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

21:18  The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.

21:19  It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

21:20  There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.

21:21  He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.

21:22  A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

21:23  He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

21:24  "Proud, "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with insolent pride."

21:25  The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;

21:26  All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.

21:27  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

21:28  A false witness will perish, But the man who listens {to the truth} will speak forever.

21:29  A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

21:30  There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the LORD.

21:31  The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD.