Proverbs 21

LEB(i) 1 Streams of water are the heart* of a king in the hand of Yahweh; wherever* he will desire, he will turn. 2 Every way of a man is upright in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs hearts.* 3 Doing righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 Haughtiness of the eyes and pride of heart, the lamp of the wicked are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent only lead to abundance, but all who are hasty, only to want. 6 He who makes treasure by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and seeker* of death. 7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, for they refuse to do justice. 8 Crooked is the way of a man and a foreigner, but the pure is upright in his conduct. 9 Better to dwell on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a woman* of contention. 10 The soul* of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor will not find mercy in his eyes. 11 With the punishment of a scoffer, the simple will become wise, and with the instruction of the wise, he will obtain knowledge. 12 The righteous observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked to ruin. 13 He who closes his ear from the cry of the poor, he also will cry out and not be heard. 14 A gift in secret* will avert anger,* and a concealed bribe,* strong wrath. 15 It is a joy to the righteous to do justice, but dismay to those who do evil. 16 Whoever wanders from the way of understanding, in the assembly of the dead* he will rest. 17 A man of want is he who loves pleasure; he who loves wine and oil* will not become rich. 18 A ransom for the righteous is the wicked, and the faithless instead of the upright. 19 Better to live in a land of wilderness than with a wife of quarrels and provocation. 20 Precious treasure and oil are in the house of the wise, but the foolish person* will devour them.* 21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. 22 To a city of warriors, the wise ascends, and he will bring down the stronghold—its object of trust. 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, he guards his life* from danger. 24 The proud, haughty one: "scoffer" is his name; he acts with arrogance of pride. 25 The craving of a lazy person will kill him, for his hands refuse to work.* 26 All day* he craves a craving, but the righteous will give and not hold back. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it in divisiveness! 28 A false witness will perish, but a man who listens will testify with* success. 29 A wicked man is strong in his countenance,* but the upright will appoint his paths. 30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel to oppose Yahweh. 31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but to Yahweh belongs the victory.