Proverbs 21
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New King James VersionNew American Standard Bible 1995
1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.1The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.2Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
3To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.3To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.
4A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.5The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
6Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.6The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
7The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.7The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice.
8The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.8The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
9Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.9It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.10The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.11When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.12The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.13He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.
14A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.14A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.15The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity.
16A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.16A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.17He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.19It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.
21He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.21He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.22A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.23He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.
24A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.24"Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names, Who acts with insolent pride.
25The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.25The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;
26He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.26All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.28A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
29A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.29A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.30There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the LORD.
31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit //www.lockman.org
Proverbs 20
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