Proverbs 21

1The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2but Yahweh weighs the hearts. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, 3is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. To do righteousness and justice 4the lamp of the wicked, is sin. A high look, and a proud heart, 5and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; 6is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. Getting treasures by a lying tongue 7because they refuse to do what is right. The violence of the wicked will drive them away, 8but the conduct of the innocent is upright. The way of the guilty is devious, 9than to share a house with a contentious woman. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, 10his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. The soul of the wicked desires evil; 11When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. 12and brings the wicked to ruin. The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, 13he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, 14and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. A gift in secret pacifies anger; 15but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. It is joy to the righteous to do justice; 16shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. The man who wanders out of the way of understanding 17He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. 18the treacherous for the upright. The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; 19than with a contentious and fretful woman. It is better to dwell in a desert land, 20but a foolish man swallows it up. There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; 21finds life, righteousness, and honor. He who follows after righteousness and kindness 22and brings down the strength of its confidence. A wise man scales the city of the mighty, 23keeps his soul from troubles. Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue 24he works in the arrogance of pride. The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; 25for his hands refuse to labor. The desire of the sluggard kills him, 26but the righteous give and don’t withhold. There are those who covet greedily all day long; 27how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: 28and a man who listens speaks to eternity. A false witness will perish, 29but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. A wicked man hardens his face; 30nor counsel against Yahweh. There is no wisdom nor understanding 31but victory is with Yahweh. The horse is prepared for the day of battle;