Proverbs 21

1A king’s heart is like channels of water in Yahweh’s hand; he directs it wherever he pleases.

2Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs hearts.

3Doing what is right and just is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.

4Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the lamp of the wicked—are sin.

5The plans of the diligent surely lead to abundance, but everyone who is hasty surely comes to want.

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor driven away—seekers of death.

7The violence of the wicked will drag them away, because they refuse to do justice.

8A man’s way is crooked and strange, but the conduct of the pure is upright.

9Better to live on a corner of the roof than with a quarrelsome wife in a shared house.

10A wicked person craves evil; he shows no favor to his neighbor.

11When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wise; and when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

12The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, which brings the wicked to ruin.

13Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also call out and not be answered.

14A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe hidden in the fold of a garment, fierce wrath.

15Doing justice is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to evildoers.

16A man who wanders from the way of understanding will come to rest in the assembly of the dead.

17A man who loves pleasure will be in want; whoever loves wine and oil will not become rich.

18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous one in place of the upright.

19It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and vexing wife.

20Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise man, but a foolish man swallows it up.

21Whoever pursues righteousness and steadfast love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man goes up against a city of mighty men and brings down the strength in which it trusts.

23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his life from troubles.

24“Proud, arrogant scoffer” is his name—one who acts with arrogant fury.

25The craving of a lazy man puts him to death, because his hands refuse to work.

26All day long he craves and craves, but a righteous man gives and does not hold back.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

28A false witness will perish, but a man who listens will speak with lasting effect.

29A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his way.

30There is no wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel against Yahweh.

31A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to Yahweh.