Proverbs 21:1-31 BSB

[1] The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. [2] All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. [3] To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. [4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked— are sin. [5] The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. [6] Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit. [7] The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just. [8] The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. [9] Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. [10] The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. [11] When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. [12] The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. [13] Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. [14] A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. [15] Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity. [16] The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. [17] He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. [18] The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright. [19] Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. [20] Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. [21] He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. [22] A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. [23] He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. [24] Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man —of him who acts with excessive pride. [25] The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. [26] All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent! [28] A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever. [29] A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure. [30] There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. [31] A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.