Proverbs of Solomon 21

 Proverbs of Solomon 21

1 Like rivers of water is the king's heart in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he wishes.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.

3 To do justice and to judge with righteousness is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 A haughty look, a proud heart, and even the plowing of the wicked are sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend to abundance, but the thoughts of all who are hasty lead only to poverty.

6 To labor to gather treasure with a lying tongue is vanity, and those who are driven to it seek death.

7 The robberies of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.

8 The way of the wicked is completely crooked, but the work of the pure is straight. 

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of a garret than with a contentious woman in a large house.

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor does not please him.

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple is instructed and receives knowledge.

12 The righteous prudently considers the house of the wicked, when the wicked are drawn away to evil.

13 He who stops his ear from the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be heard.

14 A gift given in secret appeases wrath, and a gift in the bosom, fierce indignation.

15 Doing righteousness is joy to the righteous, but terror to those who practice iniquity.

16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will suffer want; He who loves wine and oil will never be rich.

18 The ransom for the righteous is the wicked, and the ransom for the upright is the wicked.

19 Better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and angry woman.

20 There is desirable treasure and oil in the house of the wise, but a foolish man devours it.

21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, justice, and honor.

22 A wise man climbs into the city of the mighty and overthrows the strong in which they trusted.

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.

24 As for the proud and arrogant, a scoffer is his name; he deals with wrath and arrogance.

25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, because his hands refuse to work.

26 All day long he covets greedily, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when one offers it with evil intent!

28 A lying witness will perish, but one who listens will speak without imputation.

29 A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright considers his way.

30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.