Proverbs 21
1 The Lord directs the king's decisions like a stream of water that he sends whichever way he wants.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it wherever he will.
2 People think that whatever they do is fine, but the Lord looks at their motives.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts.
3 Doing what's right and fair pleases the Lord more than sacrifices.
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Pride and arrogance are the sins the wicked live by.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5 Those who plan ahead and work hard will have plenty, while those who act rashly end up poor.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6 Money made by lies is like smoke in the wind—a chase that ends in death.
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7 The destruction caused by the wicked will destroy them, for they refuse to do what's right.
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8 Guilty people live crooked lives, but the innocent follow straight paths.
The way of man is fraudulent and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It's better to live in a corner of a housetop than to share a whole house with an argumentative wife.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10 Evil people love to do wrong, they don't care what pain they cause anyone.
The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When a mocker is punished, an immature person can learn wisdom. When the wise are educated, they gain knowledge.
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The God of justice sees what happens in the homes of the wicked, and brings the wicked down in disaster.
The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked: but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.
13 If you refuse to hear the cries of the poor, your cries won't be heard either.
Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14 A gift given in secret calms down anger, and a hidden bribe soothes furious rage.
A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, the good are happy, but it brings terror to those who do evil.
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16 Anyone who wanders away from the path of understanding ends up with the dead.
The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17 If you love pleasure you'll become poor; if you love wine and olive oil you won't ever be rich.
He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked pay the price and not the good; those who are deceitful and not those who live right.
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It's better to live in a desert than with an argumentative and bad-tempered wife.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 The wise hold on to their wealth and olive oil, but stupid people use up everything they have.
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.
21 If you pursue goodness and trustworthy love, you'll find life, prosperity, and honor.
He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 The wise can overcome a city belonging to strong warriors, and tear down the fortress they trusted to protect them.
A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 If you watch what you say, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24 A proud, conceited, mocker—that's the name of those who act with insolent arrogance.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.
25 Slackers die hungry because they refuse to work.
The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.
26 Some people only want more and more all the time, but the good give generously.
He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not.
27 The sacrifices given by the wicked are obnoxious, worse still when they're offered with evil motives.
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?
28 The lies of a false witness vanish away, but the words of a reliable witness will stand.
A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly.
29 The wicked act as bold as brass, but those who live right consider carefully what they're doing.
A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he directs his way.
30 Whatever wisdom, understanding, or guidance you may have is nothing before the Lord.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31 You can get your horse ready for battle, but the victory is the Lord's.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
