Proverbs 21:1-31 NLT

[1] The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases. [2] People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. [3] The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. [4] Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. [5] Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. [6] Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. [7] The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just. [8] The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. [9] It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. [10] Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. [11] If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser. [12] The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them. [13] Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. [14] A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury. [15] Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers. [16] The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead. [17] Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. [18] The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest. [19] It's better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. [20] The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. [21] Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. [22] The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust. [23] Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. [24] Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. [25] Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. [26] Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! [27] The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives. [28] A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak. [29] The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. [30] No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD. [31] The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.