[[Proverbs 20|<< Proverbs 20]] | [[Proverbs|Proverbs]] | [[Proverbs 22|Proverbs 22 >>]] ### Proverbs 21 1 THE king's heart _is_ in the hand of the LORD, _as_ the rivers of water: he turns it whithersoever he will. ^1 2 Every way of a man _is_ right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts. ^2 3 To do justice and judgment _is_ more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. ^3 4 An high look, and a proud heart, _and_ the plowing of the wicked, _is_ sin. ^4 5 The thoughts of the diligent _tend_ only to plenteousness; but of every one _that_ _is_ hasty only to want. ^5 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue _is_ a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. ^6 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. ^7 8 The way of man _is_ froward and strange: but _as_ _for_ the pure, his work _is_ right. ^8 9 _It_ _is_ better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. ^9 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. ^10 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. ^11 12 The righteous _man_ wisely considers the house of the wicked: _but_ _God_ overthrows the wicked for _their_ wickedness. ^12 13 Whoso stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. ^13 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. ^14 15 _It_ _is_ joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction _shall_ _be_ to the workers of iniquity. ^15 16 The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. ^16 17 He that loves pleasure _shall_ _be_ a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich. ^17 18 The wicked _shall_ _be_ a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. ^18 19 _It_ _is_ better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. ^19 20 _There_ _is_ treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up. ^20 21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. ^21 22 A wise _man_ scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof. ^22 23 Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. ^23 24 Proud _and_ haughty scorner _is_ his name, who deals in proud wrath. ^24 25 The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor. ^25 26 He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not. ^26 27 The sacrifice of the wicked _is_ abomination: how much more, _when_ he brings it with a wicked mind? ^27 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly. ^28 29 A wicked man hardens his face: but _as_ _for_ the upright, he directs his way. ^29 30 _There_ _is_ no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. ^30 31 The horse _is_ prepared against the day of battle: but safety _is_ of the LORD. ^31