1 A king’s heart is a water stream that the LORD controls; he directs it wherever he pleases. ISV — Proverbs 21:1
2 Every man’s lifestyle is proper in his own view, but the LORD weighs the heart. ISV — Proverbs 21:2
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. ISV — Proverbs 21:3
4 A proud attitude, a21:4 Lit. heart accompanied by b21:4 Lit. proud heart and a haughty look, is sin; they reveal c21:4 Lit. sin; the lamp of wicked people. ISV — Proverbs 21:4
5 Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity, but all who are hasty will surely become poor. ISV — Proverbs 21:5
6 A fortune gained by deceit d21:6 Lit. by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. e21:6 So MT; LXX reads is pursuing worthlessness into deadly snares ISV — Proverbs 21:6
7 Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is just. ISV — Proverbs 21:7
8 The conduct f21:8 Lit. way of a guilty man is perverse, but the behavior of the pure is upright. ISV — Proverbs 21:8
9 It’s better to live in a corner on the roof than to share a house with a contentious woman. ISV — Proverbs 21:9
10 The soul of the wicked craves evil; he extends no mercy to his neighbor. ISV — Proverbs 21:10
11 When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. ISV — Proverbs 21:11
12 The righteous God g21:12 The Heb. lacks God considers the house of the wicked, bringing the wicked to ruin. ISV — Proverbs 21:12
13 Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but he won’t be answered. ISV — Proverbs 21:13
14 Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly h21:14 Lit. made under the cloak appease i21:14 The Heb. lacks appease great anger. ISV — Proverbs 21:14
15 Administering justice brings joy to the righteous, but terror to those who practice iniquity. ISV — Proverbs 21:15
16 Whoever wanders from the path of understanding will end up where the dead j21:16 Lit. the departed spirits are gathered. ISV — Proverbs 21:16
17 Pleasure lovers become poor; loving wine and oil doesn’t bring riches. ISV — Proverbs 21:17
18 The wicked are ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. ISV — Proverbs 21:18
19 It’s better to live in the wilderness than to live with a contentious and irritable woman. ISV — Proverbs 21:19
20 Precious treasures and oil are found k21:20 So MT; LXX reads A desirable treasure will rest where the wise live, but a foolish man devours them. ISV — Proverbs 21:20
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love finds life, righteousness, and honor. ISV — Proverbs 21:21
22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, bringing down the fortress in which they trust. ISV — Proverbs 21:22
23 Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble. ISV — Proverbs 21:23
24 The names “Proud,” “Arrogant,” and “Mocker” fit whoever acts with presumptuous conceit. ISV — Proverbs 21:24
25 What the lazy person craves will kill him, because his hands refuse to work. ISV — Proverbs 21:25
26 All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back. ISV — Proverbs 21:26
27 What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable— how much more when he offers it with vile motives! ISV — Proverbs 21:27
28 A false witness will perish, but whoever listens will testify successfully. l21:28 Lit. testify forever ISV — Proverbs 21:28
29 The wicked man puts up a bold appearance, but the upright thinks about what he is doing. m21:29 Lit. about his ways ISV — Proverbs 21:29
30 No wisdom, insight, or counsel can prevail n21:30 The Heb. lacks can prevail against the LORD. ISV — Proverbs 21:30
31 The horse may be prepared for the day of battle, but to the LORD goes the victory. ISV — Proverbs 21:31