< Proverbs 21 >

1 The heart of a king [is] streams of waters in the hand of YHWH, He inclines it wherever He pleases. 2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, And YHWH is pondering hearts. 3 To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of YHWH rather than sacrifice. 4 Loftiness of eyes, and breadth of heart, Tillage of the wicked [is] sin. 5 The purposes of the diligent [are] only to advantage, And of every hasty one, only to want. 6 The making of treasures by a lying tongue, [Is] a vanity driven away of those seeking death. 7 The spoil of the wicked catches them, Because they have refused to do judgment. 8 The way of a man who is vile [is] contrary, And the pure—his work [is] upright. 9 Better to sit on a corner of the roof, Than [with] a woman of contentions and a house of company. 10 The soul of the wicked has desired evil, his neighbor is not gracious in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple becomes wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One is acting wisely Toward the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness. 13 Whoever is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also cries, and is not answered. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe in the bosom—strong fury. 15 To do justice [is] joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity. 16 A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, Rests in an assembly of Rephaim. 17 Whoever [is] loving mirth [is] a poor man, Whoever is loving wine and oil makes no wealth. 18 The wicked [is] an atonement for the righteous, And the treacherous dealer for the upright. 19 Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than [with] a woman of contentions and anger. 20 A treasure to be desired, and oil, [Is] in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swallows it up. 21 Whoever is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 The wise has gone up a city of the mighty, And brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping his soul from adversities. 24 Proud, haughty, scorner—his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride. 25 The desire of the slothful slays him, For his hands have refused to work. 26 All the day desiring he has desired, And the righteous gives and does not withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination, Much more when he brings it in wickedness. 28 A false witness perishes, And an attentive man speaks forever. 29 A wicked man has hardened by his face, And the upright—he prepares his way. 30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding, Nor counsel against YHWH. 31 A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance [is] of YHWH!

< Proverbs 21 >