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. |