Proverbs 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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