Proverbs 21
1 The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is [as] brooks of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
The Lord directs the king's decisions like a stream of water that he sends whichever way he wants.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
People think that whatever they do is fine, but the Lord looks at their motives.
3 To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
Doing what's right and fair pleases the Lord more than sacrifices.
4 Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Pride and arrogance are the sins the wicked live by.
5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want.
Those who plan ahead and work hard will have plenty, while those who act rashly end up poor.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.
Money made by lies is like smoke in the wind—a chase that ends in death.
7 The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
The destruction caused by the wicked will destroy them, for they refuse to do what's right.
8 Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.
Guilty people live crooked lives, but the innocent follow straight paths.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.
It's better to live in a corner of a housetop than to share a whole house with an argumentative wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
Evil people love to do wrong, they don't care what pain they cause anyone.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
When a mocker is punished, an immature person can learn wisdom. When the wise are educated, they gain knowledge.
12 One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin.
The God of justice sees what happens in the homes of the wicked, and brings the wicked down in disaster.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also himself shall cry, and shall not be heard.
If you refuse to hear the cries of the poor, your cries won't be heard either.
14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.
A gift given in secret calms down anger, and a hidden bribe soothes furious rage.
15 It is joy to a righteous [man] to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity.
When justice is done, the good are happy, but it brings terror to those who do evil.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.
Anyone who wanders away from the path of understanding ends up with the dead.
17 He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
If you love pleasure you'll become poor; if you love wine and olive oil you won't ever be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright.
The wicked pay the price and not the good; those who are deceitful and not those who live right.
19 It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.
It's better to live in a desert than with an argumentative and bad-tempered wife.
20 There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
The wise hold on to their wealth and olive oil, but stupid people use up everything they have.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
If you pursue goodness and trustworthy love, you'll find life, prosperity, and honor.
22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
The wise can overcome a city belonging to strong warriors, and tear down the fortress they trusted to protect them.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
If you watch what you say, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
24 Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.
A proud, conceited, mocker—that's the name of those who act with insolent arrogance.
25 The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work:
Slackers die hungry because they refuse to work.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Some people only want more and more all the time, but the good give generously.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose!
The sacrifices given by the wicked are obnoxious, worse still when they're offered with evil motives.
28 A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.
The lies of a false witness vanish away, but the words of a reliable witness will stand.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.
The wicked act as bold as brass, but those who live right consider carefully what they're doing.
30 There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah.
Whatever wisdom, understanding, or guidance you may have is nothing before the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.
You can get your horse ready for battle, but the victory is the Lord's.
