Proverbs 21

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