21:1   The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.

21:2   We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.

21:3   Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.

21:4   Evil people are proud and arrogant, but sin is the only crop they produce.

21:5   If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.

21:6   Cheating to get rich is a foolish dream and no less than suicide.

21:7   You destroy yourself by being cruel and violent and refusing to live right.

21:8   All crooks are liars, but anyone who is innocent will do right.

21:9   It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife.

21:10   Evil people want to do wrong, even to their friends.

21:11   An ignorant fool learns by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being instructed.

21:12   God is always fair! He knows what the wicked do and will punish them.

21:13   If you won't help the poor, don't expect to be heard when you cry out for help.

21:14   A secret bribe will save you from someone's fierce anger.

21:15   When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified.

21:16   If you stop using good sense, you will find yourself in the grave.

21:17   Heavy drinkers and others who live only for pleasure will lose all they have.

21:18   God's people will escape, but all who are wicked will pay the price.

21:19   It's better out in the desert than at home with a nagging, complaining wife.

21:20   Be sensible and store up precious treasures-- don't waste them like a fool.

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

21:22   One wise person can defeat a city full of soldiers and capture their fortress.

21:23   Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.

21:24   If you are proud and conceited, everyone will say, "You're a snob!"

21:25   If you want too much and are too lazy to work, it could be fatal.

21:26   But people who obey God are always generous.

21:27   The Lord despises the offerings of wicked people with evil motives.

21:28   If you tell lies in court, you are done for; only a reliable witness can do the job.

21:29   Wicked people bluff their way, but God's people think before they take a step.

21:30   No matter how much you know or what plans you make, you can't defeat the LORD.

21:31   Even if your army has horses ready for battle, the LORD will always win.