1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 8 The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right. 9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 15 [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19 [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20 [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. 25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind? 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way. 30 [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. (Proverbs 21:1-31 AV)
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