Proverbs 21

1A king’s heart is like streams of water in the hand of the LORD, who directs it wherever he pleases. 2People think every road they take is right, but the LORD weighs the heart. 3The LORD would rather see people do what is right and just than offer sacrifice. 4Proud eyes and an arrogant heart, the lamp that lights the way of the wicked, are sin. 5The plans of the diligent bring nothing but gain, but all who rush in haste come to nothing but need. 6Riches gained by a lying tongue are a mist that drifts away, and those who seek them seek death. 7The wicked are swept away by their own violence, since they will not do what is just. 8The path of the guilty is twisted, but the conduct of the pure is straight. 9It is better to live up in a corner of the rooftop than to share a home with a wife who quarrels. 10The wicked hunger for evil; their neighbors find no mercy from them. 11When a mocker is punished, the naive learn wisdom; when the wise are taught, they take in knowledge. 12The Righteous One watches over the house of the wicked and throws the wicked down to ruin. 13Whoever stops their ears to the cry of the poor will also call out one day and get no answer. 14A gift given in secret calms anger, and a bribe tucked in the cloak quiets fierce rage. 15When justice is done, the righteous rejoice, but evildoers are filled with dread. 16Whoever strays from the path of good sense will come to rest in the company of the dead. 17Those who love pleasure will end up poor; those who love wine and fine oil will never be rich. 18The wicked serve as ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous go in place of the upright. 19It is better to live in the wilderness than with a wife who quarrels and frets. 20Valuable treasure and oil are stored in the home of the wise, but a fool gulps it all down. 21Whoever chases after what is right and loyal love finds life, vindication, and honor. 22A wise person can scale a city held by warriors and pull down the stronghold they relied on. 23Whoever watches their mouth and tongue keeps themselves out of trouble. 24The proud and haughty earn the name of mocker; they act with boundless arrogance. 25The lazy one’s cravings will be the death of them, because their hands refuse to work. 26All day long the lazy only crave more, but the righteous give without holding back. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable, and all the more when it is offered with evil intent. 28A false witness will perish, but one who listens carefully will speak with lasting effect. 29The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to the way they go. 30No wisdom, no understanding, no plan can stand against the LORD.

31People ready the horse for the day of battle, yet the victory belongs to the LORD.