The King's Heart is in the Lord's Hand

(Psalm 21:1-13)

1As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will, he shall turn it.

2Every way of a man seemeth right to himself: but the Lord weigheth the hearts.

3To do mercy and judgment, pleaseth the Lord more than victims.

4Haughtiness of the eyes is the enlarging of the heart: the lamp of the wicked is sin.

5The thoughts of the industrious always bring forth abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.

6He that gathereth treasures by a lying tongue, is vain and foolish, and shall stumble upon the snares of death.

7The robberies of the wicked shall be their downfall, because they would not do judgment.

8The perverse way of a man is strange: but as for him that is pure, his work is right.

9It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman, and in a common house.

10The soul of the wicked desireth evil, he will not have pity on his neighbour.

11When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive knowledge.

12The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked, that he may withdraw the wicked from evil.

13He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, shall also cry himself, and shall not be heard.

14A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom, the greatest wrath.

15It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them that work iniquity.

16A man that shall wander out of the way of doctrine, shall abide in the company of the giants.

17He that loveth good cheer, shall be in want: he that loveth wine, and fat things, shall not be rich.

18The wicked is delivered up for the just: and the unjust for the righteous.

19It is better to dwell in a wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and passionate woman.

20There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it.

21He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice, and glory.

22The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath cast down the strength of the confidence thereof.

23He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress.

24The proud and the arrogant is called ignorant, who in anger worketh pride.

25Desires kill the slothful: for his hands have refused to work at all.

26He longeth and desireth all the day: but he that is just, will give, and will not cease.

27The sacrifices of the wicked are abominable, because they are offered of wickedness.

28A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak of victory.

29The wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but he that is righteous, correcteth his way.

30There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord.

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