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.

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.

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King James Bible 1603 (Network Version, 1994)

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