Proverbs 21 | King James Version

King James Version

1 The king' heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. 25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

New International Reader’s Version

1 In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is like a stream of water. The LORD directs it towards 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 ploughed. 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 neighbours 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 favour 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 honour. 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.