Proverbs 21:1-31 NCV

[1] The LORD can control a king's mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases. [2] You may believe you are doing right, but the LORD judges your reasons. [3] Doing what is right and fair is more important to the LORD than sacrifices. [4] Proud looks, proud thoughts, and evil actions are sin. [5] The plans of hard-working people earn a profit, but those who act too quickly become poor. [6] Wealth that comes from telling lies vanishes like a mist and leads to death. [7] The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do what is right. [8] Guilty people live dishonest lives, but honest people do right. [9] It is better to live in a corner on the roof than inside the house with a quarreling wife. [10] Evil people only want to harm others. Their neighbors get no mercy from them. [11] If you punish those who make fun of wisdom, a foolish person may gain some wisdom. But if you teach the wise, they will get knowledge. [12] God, who is always right, watches the house of the wicked and brings ruin on every evil person. [13] Whoever ignores the poor when they cry for help will also cry for help and not be answered. [14] A secret gift will calm an angry person; a present given in secrecy will quiet great anger. [15] When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are ruined. [16] Whoever does not use good sense will end up among the dead. [17] Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and perfume will never be rich. [18] Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right. [19] It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarreling and complaining wife. [20] Wise people's houses are full of the best foods and olive oil, but fools waste everything they have. [21] Whoever tries to live right and be loyal finds life, success, and honor. [22] A wise person can defeat a city full of warriors and tear down the defenses they trust in. [23] Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble. [24] People who act with stubborn pride are called "proud," "bragger," and "mocker." [25] Lazy people's desire for sleep will kill them, because they refuse to work. [26] All day long they wish for more, but good people give without holding back. [27] The LORD hates sacrifices brought by evil people, particularly when they offer them for the wrong reasons. [28] A lying witness will be forgotten, but a truthful witness will speak on. [29] Wicked people are stubborn, but good people think carefully about what they do. [30] There is no wisdom, understanding, or advice that can succeed against the LORD. [31] You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives the victory.