Proverbs 21:1-31 ESV

[1] The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. [2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. [3] To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. [4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. [5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. [6] The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. [7] The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just. [8] The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright. [9] It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. [10] The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. [11] When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. [12] The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. [13] Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. [14] A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. [15] When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. [16] One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead. [17] Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. [18] The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright. [19] It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. [20] Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. [21] Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. [22] A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. [23] Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. [24] "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. [25] The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. [26] All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent. [28] A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. [29] A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways. [30] No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.