Proverbs 21:1-31 NIrV

[1] In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is like a stream of water. The LORD directs it toward all those who please him. [2] A person might think their own ways are right. But the LORD knows what they are thinking. [3] Do what is right and fair. The LORD accepts that more than sacrifices. [4] The proud eyes and hearts of sinful people are like a field not plowed. Those things produce nothing good. [5] The plans of people who work hard succeed. You can be just as sure that those in a hurry will become poor. [6] A fortune made by people who tell lies amounts to nothing and leads to death. [7] The harmful things that evil people do will drag them away. They refuse to do what is right. [8] The path of those who are guilty is crooked. But the conduct of those who are not guilty is honest. [9] It is better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife. [10] Sinful people long to do evil. They don’t show their neighbors any mercy. [11] When you punish someone who makes fun of others, childish people get wise. By paying attention to wise people, the childish get knowledge. [12] The Blameless One knows where sinners live. And he destroys them. [13] Whoever refuses to listen to the cries of poor people will also cry out and not be answered. [14] A secret gift calms down anger. A hidden favor softens great anger. [15] When you do what is fair, you make godly people glad. But you terrify those who do what is evil. [16] Whoever leaves the path of understanding ends up with those who are dead. [17] Anyone who loves pleasure will become poor. Anyone who loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. [18] Evil people become the payment for setting godly people free. Those who aren’t faithful are the payment for honest people. [19] It is better to live in a desert than to live with a nagging wife who loves to argue. [20] Wise people store up the best food and olive oil. But foolish people eat up everything they have. [21] Anyone who wants to be godly and loving finds life, success and honor. [22] A wise person can attack a strong city. They can pull down the place of safety its people trust in. [23] Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble. [24] A proud person is called a mocker. He thinks much too highly of himself. [25] Some people will die while they are still hungry. That’s because their hands refuse to work. [26] All day long they hunger for more. But godly people give without holding back. [27] God hates sacrifices that are brought by evil people. He hates it even more when they bring them for the wrong reason. [28] Witnesses who aren’t honest will die. But anyone who listens carefully will be a successful witness. [29] Sinful people try to look as if they were bold. But honest people think about how they live. [30] No wisdom, wise saying or plan can succeed against the LORD. [31] You can prepare a horse for the day of battle. But the power to win comes from the LORD.