Proverbs 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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