Proverbs 21

1 The king's 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. {An...: Heb. Haughtiness of eyes} {the plowing: or, the light} 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. {destroy...: Heb. saw them, or, dwell with them} 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. {a brawling...: Heb. a woman of contentions} {a wide...: Heb. an house of society} 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. {findeth...: Heb. is not favoured} 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. {pleasure: or, sport} 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. {in...: Heb. in the land of the desert} 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. {in proud...: Heb. in the wrath of pride} 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? {with...: Heb. in wickedness?} 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. {A...: Heb. A witness of lies} 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but {as for} the upright, he directeth his way. {directeth: or, considereth} 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. {safety: or, victory}