Proverbs 21:1-31 ICB

[1] The Lord can control a king's mind as easily as he controls a river. He can direct it as he pleases. [2] A person may believe he is doing right. But the Lord judges his reasons. [3] Do what is right and fair. That is more important to the Lord than animal sacrifices. [4] Proud looks, proud thoughts and evil actions are sin. [5] Those who plan and work hard earn a profit. But those who act too quickly become poor. [6] Wealth that comes from telling lies vanishes like a mist and leads to death. [7] The violence of the wicked will destroy them because they refuse to do what is right. [8] Guilty people live dishonest lives. But honest people do what is right. [9] It is better to live in a corner on the roof than inside the house with a quarreling wife. [10] An evil person only wants to harm others. His neighbor will get no mercy from him. [11] Punish a person who makes fun of wisdom, and he will become wise. But just teach a wise person, and he will get knowledge. [12] God, who is always right, sees the house of the wicked. And he brings about the ruin of every evil person. [13] If you ignore the poor when they cry for help, you also will cry for help and not be answered. [14] A gift given secretly will calm an angry man. A present given in secrecy will calm even great anger. [15] When things are done fairly, good people are happy, but evil people are frightened. [16] A person who does not use understanding will join the dead. [17] Whoever loves pleasure will become poor. Whoever loves wine and rich food will never be wealthy. [18] Wicked people will suffer instead of good people. And those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who can. [19] It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarreling and complaining wife. [20] Wise people store up the best foods and olive oil. But a foolish person eats up everything he has. [21] A person who tries to live right and be loyal finds life, success and honor. [22] A wise person can defeat a city full of strong men. He can tear down the defenses they trust. [23] A person who is careful about what he says keeps himself out of trouble. [24] People who act with stubborn pride are called "proud" and "bragger." [25] The lazy person's desire for sleep will kill him because he refuses to work. [26] All day long the lazy person wishes for more. But the good person gives without holding back. [27] The Lord hates sacrifices made by evil people, particularly when they make them for the wrong reasons. [28] The words of a lying witness will die. But the words of an obedient man will always be remembered. [29] A wicked person is stubborn. But an honest person thinks carefully about what he does. [30] There is no wisdom, understanding or advice that can succeed against the Lord. [31] You can get the horses ready for battle. But it is the Lord who gives the victory.