Proverbs 21
King James 2000

1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it wherever he will.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD weighs the hearts.

3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

5The thoughts of the diligent lead only to plenty; but of everyone that is hasty, only to want.

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7The violence of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do justice.

8The way of man is perverse and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

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

10The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked: but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness.

13Whosoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

14A gift in secret averts anger: and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

15It is joy to the just to do justice: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

16The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

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

18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.

20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.

21He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the stronghold in which they trust.

23Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

24Proud and haughty scoffer is his name, who deals in arrogant pride.

25The desire of the slothful kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.

26He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?

28A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly.

29A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he considers his way.

30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

31The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

The King James 2000 Bible, copyright © Doctor of Theology Robert A. Couric 2000, 2003
Used by permision. All rights reserved.



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