NETtext - Proverbs - 21

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 of a person's ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the motives.

21:3  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

21:4  Haughty eyes and a proud heart - the agricultural product of the wicked 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 refuse 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 in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.

21:10  The appetite of the wicked desires 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 faithless are taken in the place of the upright.

21:19  It is better to live in a desert land 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  The wise person can scale the city of the mighty and bring 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 refuse to work.

21:26  All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous 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 shows boldness with his face, but as for the upright, he discerns 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.