Proverbs 21:1-31 GW

[1] The king's heart is like streams of water. Both are under the LORD's control. He turns them in any direction he chooses. [2] A person thinks everything he does is right, but the LORD weighs hearts. [3] Doing what is right and fair is more acceptable to the LORD than offering a sacrifice. [4] A conceited look and an arrogant attitude, which are the lamps of wicked people, are sins. [5] The plans of a hard-working person lead to prosperity, but everyone who is always in a hurry ends up in poverty. [6] Those who gather wealth by lying are wasting time. They are looking for death. [7] The violence of wicked people will drag them away since they refuse to do what is just. [8] The way of a guilty person is crooked, but the behavior of those who are pure is moral. [9] Better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a home with a quarreling woman. [10] The mind of a wicked person desires evil and has no consideration for his neighbor. [11] When a mocker is punished, a gullible person becomes wise, and when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge. [12] A righteous person wisely considers the house of a wicked person. He throws wicked people into disasters. [13] Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will call and not be answered. [14] A gift given in secret calms anger, and a secret bribe calms great fury. [15] When justice is done, a righteous person is delighted, but troublemakers are terrified. [16] A person who wanders from the way of wise behavior will rest in the assembly of the dead. [17] Whoever loves pleasure will become poor. Whoever loves wine and expensive food will not become rich. [18] Wicked people become a ransom for righteous people, and treacherous people will take the place of decent people. [19] Better to live in a desert than with a quarreling and angry woman. [20] Costly treasure and wealth are in the home of a wise person, but a fool devours them. [21] Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor. [22] A wise man attacks a city of warriors and pulls down the strong defenses in which they trust. [23] Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. [24] An arrogant, conceited person is called a mocker. His arrogance knows no limits. [25] The desire of a lazy person will kill him because his hands refuse to work. [26] All day long he feels greedy, but a righteous person gives and does not hold back. [27] The sacrifice of wicked people is disgusting, especially if they bring it with evil intent. [28] A lying witness will die, but a person who listens to advice will continue to speak. [29] A wicked person puts up a bold front, but a decent person's way of life is his own security. [30] No wisdom, no understanding, and no advice can stand up against the LORD. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.