Proverbs 21:1-31 GNT

[1] The LORD controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream. [2] You may think that everything you do is right, but remember that the LORD judges your motives. [3] Do what is right and fair; that pleases the LORD more than bringing him sacrifices. [4] Wicked people are controlled by their conceit and arrogance, and this is sinful. [5] Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough. [6] The riches you get by dishonesty soon disappear, but not before they lead you into the jaws of death. [7] The wicked are doomed by their own violence; they refuse to do what is right. [8] Guilty people walk a crooked path; the innocent do what is right. [9] Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife. [10] Wicked people are always hungry for evil; they have no mercy on anyone. [11] When someone who is conceited gets his punishment, even an unthinking person learns a lesson. One who is wise will learn from what he is taught. [12] God, the righteous one, knows what goes on in the homes of the wicked, and he will bring the wicked down to ruin. [13] If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard. [14] If someone is angry with you, a gift given secretly will calm him down. [15] When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are brought to despair. [16] Death is waiting for anyone who wanders away from good sense. [17] Indulging in luxuries, wine, and rich food will never make you wealthy. [18] The wicked bring on themselves the suffering they try to cause good people. [19] Better to live out in the desert than with a nagging, complaining wife. [20] Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it. [21] Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly. [22] A shrewd general can take a city defended by strong men, and destroy the walls they relied on. [23] If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say. [24] Show me a conceited person and I will show you someone who is arrogant, proud, and inconsiderate. [25] Lazy people who refuse to work are only killing themselves; [26] all they do is think about what they would like to have. The righteous, however, can give, and give generously. [27] The LORD hates it when wicked people offer him sacrifices, especially if they do it from evil motives. [28] The testimony of a liar is not believed, but the word of someone who thinks matters through is accepted. [29] Righteous people are sure of themselves; the wicked have to pretend as best they can. [30] Human wisdom, brilliance, insight-they are of no help if the LORD is against you. [31] You can get horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives victory.