Proverbs 21

1THE heart of a king is in the hand of God; like a canal of water, He turneth it whithersoever He pleaseth.

2Every man appeareth righteous in his own eyes: but the Lord directeth hearts.

3To do justice and to adhere to truth are more acceptable to God than the blood of victims.

4A high-minded man is contentious and stubborn: but sin is the lamp of the wicked.

6He who getteth treasures by a lying tongue, pursueth vanity to the snares of death.

7Destruction shall lodge with the wicked because they refuse to do justice.

8To the perverse God sendeth perverted ways; for His works are pure and right.

9It is better to dwell in a corner in the open air than in apartments plastered with injustice, and in a house which is not clean.

10The soul of the wicked will not be pitied by any man.

11When a profligate is punished, the innocent become more cautious; and the sensible wise man will gain knowledge.

12A just man discerneth the hearts of the wicked, and despiseth the wicked for their wickedness.

13He who stoppeth his ears that he may not hear the distressed shall himself cry, and there shall be none to answer.

14A gift given secretly pacifieth resentments: but he who is sparing of gifts exciteth strong wrath.

15It is the joy of the righteous to execute judgment: but in the view of the wicked a holy man is unclean.

16A man who wandereth from the path of justice, shall go to rest among the congregation of giants.

17A needy man loveth pleasure. He wisheth to have wine and oil for his riches:

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a quarrelsome, clamorous and passionate wife.

20A desirable treasure will rest in the mouth of the wise: but men who are foolish will swallow it.

21The way of justice and mercy will lead to life and glory.

22A wise man hath scaled strong cities and demolished fortifications in which the wicked trusted.

23He who guardeth his mouth and tongue keepeth his soul from trouble.

24He who is bold, self-willed, and boastful is called a pest and he who harboureth mischief is called a transgressor.

25Wishing killeth the slothful; for his hands do not choose to labour.

26All the day long a wicked man indulgeth wicked desires; but the righteous unsparingly exerciseth pity and compassion.

27The sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, because they offer them unrighteously.

28A false witness shall perish; but a man who is a witness will speak guardedly.

29A wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but the upright will himself consider his ways.

30There is no wisdom, there is no fortitude, no counsel in the wicked.

31A horse is provided for the day of battle: but help cometh from the Lord.