Proverbs 21

1The king's heart is like streams of water in Yahweh's hand; he directs it wherever he desires.

2Every man considers his way right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts.

3Doing righteousness and justice pleases Yahweh more than sacrifice.

4Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the plowing of the wicked—is sin.

5Diligent plans lead only to profit, and all haste only to poverty.

6Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those seeking death.

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

8A perverse man's way is strange, but a pure man's work is upright.

9Better to live in a corner of the roof than share a house with a contentious wife.

10The soul of the wicked craves evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.

11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12The righteous discerns the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked to ruin.

13Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call, but will not be answered.

14A gift in secret appeases anger, and a bribe in the bosom quells fierce wrath.

15Doing justice is joy to the righteous, but destruction to the workers of evil.

16A man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17Whoever loves pleasure will lack; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous for the upright.

19Better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious, quarrelsome, and angry woman.

20Desirable treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man devours it.

21Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man ascends the city of the mighty and topples the might of its confidence.

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

24Presumptuous arrogant mocker is his name; he acts in the rage of pride.

25The sluggard's desire kills him, for his hands refuse to work.

26All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does not withhold.

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

28A false witness perishes, but a man who listens speaks perpetually.

29A wicked man steels his face, but the upright directs his paths and discerns his way.

30No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against Yahweh.

31A horse is made ready for the day of battle, but deliverance belongs to Yahweh.