Proverbs 21

1The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.

1The king’s heart is like a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he directs it wherever he chooses.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

2Every person thinks their own way is right, but the LORD examines the motives of the heart.

3To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

3Doing what is right and fair is more pleasing to the LORD than offering sacrifices.

4A high look, and a proud heart, Eventhe lamp of the wicked, is sin.

4Haughty eyes and a proud heart are the lamps that lead the wicked into sin.

5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hastyhastethonly to want.

5Careful planning leads to plenty, but acting in a hurry leads only to poverty.

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.

6Making a fortune by telling lies is like a disappearing mist; it is a deadly trap.

7The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.

7The violence of the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is fair.

8The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.

8A guilty person’s path is crooked and strange, but the behavior of the pure is upright.

9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.

9It is better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a large house with a complaining wife.

10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.

10Evil people crave what is wrong; they show no mercy even to their neighbors.

11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

11When a mocker is punished, the simple-minded gain wisdom; when the wise are taught, they gain knowledge.

12The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, Howthe wicked are overthrown to their ruin.

12The Righteous One watches the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.

13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.

13If you close your ears to the cry of the poor, you will also cry out and not be answered.

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.

14A secret gift calms anger, and a bribe hidden in the pocket soothes great fury.

15It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

15When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to those who do evil.

16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead.

16Anyone who wanders from the path of common sense will end up among the dead.

17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

17If you love pleasure, you will become poor; if you love wine and luxury, you will never be rich.

18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherouscomethin the stead of the upright.

18The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful take the place of the upright.

19It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.

19It is better to live in a lonely desert than with a wife who is quarrelsome and moody.

20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.

20The wise have wealth and luxury in their homes, but fools spend everything they get.

21He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.

21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

22A wise person can capture a city of strong warriors and tear down the defenses they trust in.

23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

23If you guard your mouth and your tongue, you will keep yourself out of trouble.

24The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.

24A proud and arrogant person is called a 'Mocker'; they act with boundless pride.

25The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.

25The lazy person’s cravings will be their death because their hands refuse to work.

26There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.

26Some people are greedy all day long, but the righteous give without holding back.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!

27The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked—especially when they offer it with bad motives.

28A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.

28A witness who lies will perish, but a person who listens carefully will speak words that last.

29A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.

29The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright think carefully about how they live.

30There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

30No human wisdom, insight, or plan can succeed against the LORD.

31The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.

31The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.