NET Bible

The First Collection of Solomonic Proverbs1

^21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants. ^21:2 All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates his thoughts. ^21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. ^21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart— what the wicked cultivate is sin. ^21:5 The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. ^21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death. ^21:7 The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they have refused to do what is right. ^21:8 The way of the guilty person is devious, but as for the pure, his way is upright. ^21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. ^21:10 The appetite of the wicked has desired evil; his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes. ^21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge. ^21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin. ^21:13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and will not be answered. ^21:14 A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath. ^21:15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who do evil. ^21:16 The one who wanders from the way of wisdom will end up in the company of the departed. ^21:17 The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich. ^21:18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous are taken in the place of the upright. ^21:19 It is better to live in the wilderness than with a quarrelsome and easily provoked woman. ^21:20 There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish person devours all he has. ^21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty, and honor. ^21:22 A wise man went up against the city of the mighty and brought down the stronghold in which they trust. ^21:23 The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles. ^21:24 A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,” acts with overbearing pride. ^21:25 What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands have refused to work. ^21:26 All day long he has craved greedily, but the righteous person gives and does not hold back. ^21:27 The wicked person’s sacrifice is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent! ^21:28 A lying witness will perish, but the one who reports accurately speaks forever. ^21:29 A wicked person has put on a bold face, but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. ^21:30 There is no wisdom and there is no understanding, and there is no counsel against the Lord. ^21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is from the Lord.