Proverbs 21:1-31 NIV

Proverbs 21:1-31 NIV [1] In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. [2] A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. [3] To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. [4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. [5] The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. [6] A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. [7] The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. [8] The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. [9] Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. [10] The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. [11] When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge. [12] The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. [13] Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. [14] A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. [15] When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. [16] Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead. [17] Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. [18] The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. [19] Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. [20] The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. [21] Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. [22] One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. [23] Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. [24] The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—behaves with insolent fury. [25] The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. [26] All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent! [28] A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. [29] The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. [30] There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

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