Proverbs 21

1Like channeled water is the mind of the king in GOD’s hand—For it is directed according to God’s wishes.

2People look approvingly on their own ways,But GOD probes the mind.

3To do what is right and justIs more desired by GOD than sacrifice.

4Haughty looks, a proud heart—The tillage of the wicked is sinful.

5The plans of the diligent make only for gain;All rash haste makes only for loss.

6Treasures acquired by a lying tongueAre like driven vapor, heading for extinction.

7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,For they refuse to act justly.

8A person’s way may be tortuous and strange,Though their actions are blameless and proper.

9Dwelling in the corner of a roof is betterThan a contentious wife in a spacious house.

10The desire of the wicked is set upon evil;Their neighbors find no favor in their eyes.

11When scoffers are punished, the simple are edified;When sages are taught, they gain insight.

12The Righteous One observes the house of a wicked person—And subverts the wicked to their ruin.

13One who turns a deaf ear to the cry of the wretchedWill likewise call and not be answered.

14A gift in secret subdues anger,A present in private, fierce rage.

15Justice done is a joy to the righteous,To evildoers, ruination.

16One who strays from the path of prudenceWill rest in the company of ghosts.

17A man who loves pleasure comes to want;He who loves wine and oil does not grow rich.

18The wicked are the ransom of the righteous;The traitor comes in place of the upright.

19It is better to live in the desertThan with a contentious, vexatious wife.

20Precious treasure and oil are in the house of a wise man,And a fool of a man will run through them.

21One who strives to do good and kind deedsAttains life, success, and honor.

22One wise man prevailed over a city of warriorsAnd brought down its mighty stronghold.

23One who watches over mouth and tongueKeeps out of trouble.

24The proud, insolent person, named scoffer,Acts in a frenzy of insolence.

25The cravings of sluggards are fatal,For their hands refuse to work.

26All day long they are seized with cravingWhile the righteous give without stint.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,The more so when offered in depravity.

28A false witness is doomed,But a man who listens will testify with success.

29The wicked man is brazen-faced;The upright man discerns his course.

30No wisdom, no prudence, and no counselCan prevail against GOD.

31The horse is readied for the day of battle,But victory comes from GOD.