Proverbs 21:1-31 NET

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