Proverbs 21:1-31 AMP

[1] The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it whichever way He wishes. [2] Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. [3] To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. [4] Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God]. [5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty. [6] Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death. [7] The violence of the wicked will [return to them and] drag them away [like fish caught in a net], Because they refuse to act with justice. [8] The way of the guilty is [exceedingly] crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. [9] It is better to live in a corner of the housetop [on the flat roof, exposed to the weather] Than in a house shared with a quarrelsome (contentious) woman. [10] The soul of the wicked desires evil [like an addictive substance]; His neighbor finds no compassion in his eyes. [11] When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise; But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge. [12] The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked—How the wicked are cast down to ruin. [13] Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor Will cry out himself and not be answered. [14] A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe [hidden] in the pocket, strong wrath. [15] When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, the one in right standing with God), But to the evildoers it is disaster. [16] A man who wanders from the way of understanding (godly wisdom) Will remain in the assembly of the dead. [17] He who loves [only selfish] pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves and is devoted to wine and [olive] oil will not become rich. [18] The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous in the place of the upright [for they fall into their own traps]. [19] It is better to dwell in a desert land Than with a contentious and troublesome woman. [20] There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it. [21] He who earnestly seeks righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor. [22] A wise man scales the city [walls] of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. [23] He who guards his mouth and his tongue Guards himself from troubles. [24] “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride. [25] The desire of the lazy kills him, For his hands refuse to labor; [26] He craves all the day long [and does no work], But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has]. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable and offensive [to the LORD]. How much more [unacceptable and insulting can it be] when he brings it with evil intention? [28] A false witness will perish, But a man who listens to the truth will speak forever and go unchallenged. [29] A wicked man puts on a bold face, But as for the upright, he considers, directs, and establishes his way [with the confidence of integrity]. [30] There is no [human] wisdom or understanding Or counsel [that can prevail] against the LORD. [31] The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance and victory belong to the LORD.