Proverbs 21
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1A king's heart is a water stream that the LORD controls; he directs it wherever he pleases.1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.
2Every man's lifestyle is proper in his own view, but the LORD weighs the heart.2People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.
3To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.3The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
4A proud attitude, accompanied by a haughty look, is sin; they reveal wicked people.4Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
5Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity, but all who are hasty will surely become poor.5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
6A fortune gained by deceit is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 6Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
7Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is just.7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8The conduct of a guilty man is perverse, but the behavior of the pure is upright.8The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
9It's better to live in a corner on the roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.9It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
10The soul of the wicked craves evil; he extends no mercy to his neighbor.10Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.11If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
12The righteous God considers the house of the wicked, bringing the wicked to ruin.12The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
13Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but he won't be answered.13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
14Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger.14A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
15Administering justice brings joy to the righteous, but terror to those who practice iniquity.15Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
16Whoever wanders from the path of understanding will end up where the dead are gathered.16The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
17Pleasure lovers become poor; loving wine and oil doesn't bring riches.17Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18The wicked are ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.18The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
19It's better to live in the wilderness than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.19It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
20Precious treasures and oil are found where the wise live, but a foolish man devours them.20The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love finds life, righteousness, and honor.21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22A wise man attacks the city of the mighty, bringing down the fortress in which they trust.22The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
23Whoever watches his mouth and tongue keeps himself from trouble.23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
24The names "Proud," "Arrogant," and "Mocker" fit whoever acts with presumptuous conceit.24Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
25What the lazy person craves will kill him, because his hands refuse to work.25Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
26All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back.26Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
27What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable— how much more when he offers it with vile motives!27The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
28A false witness will perish, but whoever listens will testify successfully. 28A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
29The wicked man puts up a bold appearance, but the upright thinks about what he is doing. 29The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
30No wisdom, insight, or counsel can prevail against the LORD.30No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.
31The horse may be prepared for the day of battle, but to the LORD goes the victory.31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 20
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