21:1   The LORD controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream.

21:2   You may think that everything you do is right, but remember that the LORD judges your motives.

21:3   Do what is right and fair; that pleases the LORD more than bringing him sacrifices.

21:4   Wicked people are controlled by their conceit and arrogance, and this is sinful.

21:5   Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough.

21:6   The riches you get by dishonesty soon disappear, but not before they lead you into the jaws of death.

21:7   The wicked are doomed by their own violence; they refuse to do what is right.

21:8   Guilty people walk a crooked path; the innocent do what is right.

21:9   Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife.

21:10   Wicked people are always hungry for evil; they have no mercy on anyone.

21:11   When someone who is conceited gets his punishment, even an unthinking person learns a lesson. One who is wise will learn from what he is taught.

21:12   God, the righteous one, knows what goes on in the homes of the wicked, and he will bring the wicked down to ruin.

21:13   If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard.

21:14   If someone is angry with you, a gift given secretly will calm him down.

21:15   When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are brought to despair.

21:16   Death is waiting for anyone who wanders away from good sense.

21:17   Indulging in luxuries, wine, and rich food will never make you wealthy.

21:18   The wicked bring on themselves the suffering they try to cause good people.

21:19   Better to live out in the desert than with a nagging, complaining wife.

21:20   Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it.

21:21   Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly.

21:22   A shrewd general can take a city defended by strong men, and destroy the walls they relied on.

21:23   If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say.

21:24   Show me a conceited person and I will show you someone who is arrogant, proud, and inconsiderate.

21:25   Lazy people who refuse to work are only killing themselves;

21:26   all they do is think about what they would like to have. The righteous, however, can give, and give generously.

21:27   The LORD hates it when wicked people offer him sacrifices, especially if they do it from evil motives.

21:28   The testimony of a liar is not believed, but the word of someone who thinks matters through is accepted.

21:29   Righteous people are sure of themselves; the wicked have to pretend as best they can.

21:30   Human wisdom, brilliance, insight---they are of no help if the LORD is against you.

21:31   You can get horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives victory.