Proverbs 21:1-31 AMPC

[1] The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He wills. [2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts. [3] To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. [4] Haughtiness of eyes and a proud heart, even the tillage of the wicked or the lamp [of joy] to them [whatever it may be], are sin [in the eyes of God]. [5] The thoughts of the [steadily] diligent tend only to plenteousness, but everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want. [6] Securing treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor driven to and fro; those who seek them seek death. [7] The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, because they refuse to do justice. [8] The way of the guilty is exceedingly crooked, but as for the pure, his work is right and his conduct is straight. [9] It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a nagging, quarrelsome, and faultfinding woman. [10] The soul or life of the wicked craves and seeks evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. [11] When the scoffer is punished, the fool gets a lesson in being wise; but men of [godly] Wisdom and good sense learn by being instructed. [12] The [uncompromisingly] righteous man considers well the house of the wicked-how the wicked are cast down to ruin. [13] Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor will cry out himself and not be heard. [14] A gift in secret pacifies and turns away anger, and a bribe in the lap, strong wrath. [15] When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God), but to the evildoers it is dismay, calamity, and ruin. [16] A man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall abide in the congregation of the spirits (of the dead). [17] He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. [18] The wicked become a ransom for the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and the treacherous for the upright [because the wicked themselves fall into the traps and pits they have dug for the good]. [19] It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious woman and with vexation. [20] There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it. [21] He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) 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 keeps himself from troubles. [24] The proud and haughty man-Scoffer is his name-deals and acts with overbearing pride. [25] The desire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. [26] He covets greedily all the day long, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous gives and does not withhold. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is exceedingly disgusting and abhorrent [to the Lord]-how much more when he brings it with evil intention? [28] A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears attentively will endure and go unchallenged. [29] A wicked man puts on the bold, unfeeling face [of guilt], 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 are of the Lord.