21:1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.
21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but every one who is hasty comes only to want.
21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
21:7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
21:8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right.
21:9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
21:11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
21:12 The righteous observes the house of the wicked; the wicked are cast down to ruin.
21:13 He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard.
21:14 A gift in secret averts anger; and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
21:15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
21:16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
21:17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful woman.
21:20 Precious treasure remains in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
21:21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.
21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
21:23 He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
21:24 "Scoffer" is the name of the proud, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him for his hands refuse to labor.
21:26 All day long the wicked covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
21:28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
21:29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his ways.
21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the LORD.
21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
Terms of Use
This web tool was created by Eastern Orthodox Christian author Jonathan "C.J.S." Hayward: visit the main theology, literature, and books site!