‏ Proverbs 21

1As streams of water, So is the heart of the king in the hand of the LORD; He turneth it whithersoever he will. 2All the ways of a man are right in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the heart. 3To do justice and equity Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4The lofty look, the proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is ruin. 5The plans of the diligent tend only to plenty; But the hasty hasteneth only to want. 6The getting of treasures by a false tongue Is the fleeting breath of them that seek death. 7The rapine of the wicked shall snatch them away, Because they refuse to do justice. 8The way of the guilty man is crooked; But he that is pure, his doings are right. 9Better is it to dwell in a corner of the housetop Than with a brawling woman in a large house. 10The soul of the wicked longeth to do evil; His neighbor findeth no compassion in his eyes. 11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; When the wise man is taught, he receiveth knowledge. 12The righteous man hath regard to the house of the wicked; He casteth the wicked headlong into ruin. 13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry aloud, but shall not be heard. 14A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath. 15To do justice shall be joy to the righteous; But destruction is for them that do iniquity. 16A man who wandereth from the way of discretion Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. 17He that loveth pleasure will be a poor man; He that loveth wine and oil will not be rich. 18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous! And in the room of the upright shall be the transgressor. 19It is better to dwell in a desert land Than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise; But the foolish man swalloweth them up. 21He who followeth after righteousness and mercy Shall find life, prosperity, and honor. 22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength in which it trusted. 23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from trouble. 24The proud and haughty,—scoffer is his name; He acteth with haughty arrogance. 25The desire of the sluggard will destroy him; For his hands refuse to labor. 26The covetous man coveteth all the day long; But the righteous man giveth, and doth not withhold. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he bringeth it with an evil design! 28A false witness shall perish; But a man that hearkeneth shall speak forever. 29The wicked man hardeneth his face; But the upright directeth his way. 30Wisdom is nothing, and understanding is nothing, And devices are nothing, against the LORD. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; But victory is from the LORD.
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