Proverbs 21

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

God holds the king's heart, guiding it like a river's course, steering it wherever He desires.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Everyone believes their actions are justified, but only God truly understands what's in our hearts.

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

God values fairness and right decisions more than religious offerings.

An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

Arrogance, pride, and the actions of the wicked are all sinful.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Those who work hard and think carefully are likely to have plenty, but those who rush and act without thinking will end up lacking.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Acquiring wealth through deceit is a futile pursuit, leading only to destruction.

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

The wicked will be undone by their own greed, for they choose to ignore fairness and justice.

The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

The path of a guilty person is twisted and crooked, but those with pure hearts, their actions are just.

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

It's more peaceful to live alone in a tiny attic than to share a mansion with a quarrelsome woman.

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

The heart of a cruel person craves harm; they see no good in those around them.

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

When the mocker faces consequences, the naive learn wisdom. When the wise are taught, they gain understanding.

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

A good man carefully observes the actions of the wicked, but God will ultimately bring down those who do wrong because of their evil deeds.

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

If you ignore the pleas of the poor, you too will cry out one day, but no one will listen.

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

A gift given in secret can soothe anger, and a bribe slipped quietly under the cloak can calm even intense fury.

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Those who are righteous find happiness in seeking justice, but those who do wrong will face their downfall.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

A person who strays from the path of wisdom will end up resting among the dead.

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

Those who chase after pleasure will find their pockets empty; those who are fond of wine and luxury will never amass wealth.

The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

The wicked will pay the price for the righteous, and the wrongdoers will make amends for the honest.

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

It's more peaceful to live alone in the wild, than to share a home with a woman full of anger and arguments.

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

A wise person's home is filled with cherished treasures and valuable resources, much like oil. However, a foolish person wastes it all away.

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Whoever passionately pursues kindness and justice discovers a life filled with virtue and respect.

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

A wise person can conquer a powerful city and shatter its residents' sense of security.

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

If you control your words and your speech, you'll save yourself from a lot of problems.

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

His name is Arrogant, a mocker filled with pride, who thrives on his own anger.

The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

The lazy man's dreams destroy him, as he is unwilling to work hard.

He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

He craves endlessly, consumed by greed. But the virtuous generously gives without hesitation.

The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

God finds the offerings of the wicked repulsive, even more so when given with evil intentions.

A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

A liar will meet their downfall, but the one who listens and speaks truth will always endure.

A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

A cruel person wears a mask of stone, but a good soul guides his own path with honesty.

There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

No amount of wisdom, understanding, or advice can ever outmatch the Lord's.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Though the horse stands ready for the fight, true protection comes only from God.