Proverbs 21
1. The king’s heart in Adonai’s hand is like streams of water — 1 he directs it wherever he pleases.
2. All a person’s ways are right in his own view, 2 but Adonai weighs the heart.
3. To do what is right and just 3 is more pleasing to Adonai than sacrifice.
4. Haughty looks, a proud heart — 4 what the wicked plow is sin.
5. The plans of the diligent lead only to abundance; 5 but all who rush in arrive only at want.
6. A fortune gained by a lying tongue 6 is vapor dispersed [by] seekers of death.
7. The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, 7 because they refuse to act justly.
8. A criminal’s conduct is crooked, 8 but the work of the pure is right.
9. It is better to live on a corner of the roof 9 than to share the house with a nagging wife.
10. The wicked is set on evil; 10 he doesn’t pity even his neighbor.
11. When a scorner is punished, the simple become wiser; 11 and when the wise is instructed, he takes hold of knowledge.
12. The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; 12 he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.
13. Whoever stops up his ears at the cry of the poor 13 will himself cry, but not be answered.
14. A secret gift allays anger, 14 and a bribe under the cloak the strongest fury.
15. Acting justly is a joy for the righteous 15 but it terrifies evildoers.
16. The person who strays from the way of common sense 16 will come to rest in the company of the dead.
17. Pleasure-lovers will suffer want; 17 he who loves wine and oil won’t get rich.
18. The wicked serve as a ransom for the righteous, 18 and likewise the perfidious for the upright.
19. It is better to live in the desert 19 than with a nagging, irritable wife.
20. In the home of the wise are fine treasures and oil, 20 but a fool quickly devours it.
21. He who pursues righteousness and kindness 21 finds life, prosperity and honor.
22. A wise man can go up into a city of warriors 22 and undermine the strength in which it trusts.
23. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue 23 keeps himself out of trouble.
24. “Scoffer” is what you call a proud, insolent person 24 who acts with overweening conceit.
25. A lazy man’s craving will kill him, 25 because his hands refuse to work —
26. he covets greedily all day long; 26 but a righteous person gives without holding back.
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; 27 how much more when he brings it with vile motives.
28. A lying witness is doomed, 28 but one who heard [what was said] will testify successfully.
29. A wicked man puts on a bold face, 29 whereas the upright prepares his ways.
30. No wisdom, discernment or counsel 30 succeeds against Adonai.
31. A horse may be prepared for the day of battle, 31 but victory comes from Adonai.