Proverbs 21

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.⋮

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.⋮

3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.⋮

4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.⋮

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.⋮

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.⋮

7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.⋮

8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.⋮

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.⋮

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.⋮

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.⋮

12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.⋮

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.⋮

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.⋮

15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.⋮

16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.⋮

17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.⋮

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.⋮

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.⋮

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.⋮

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.⋮

22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.⋮

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.⋮

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.⋮

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.⋮

26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.⋮

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?⋮

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.⋮

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.⋮

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.⋮

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.⋮