Proverbs, 21

1. The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

1. In the hands of Yahweh, the heart of the king is like running water; he directs it wherever he wishes.

2. Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

2. To the eyes of man all his ways are honest but it is Yahweh who weighs the heart.

3. To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

3. To do what is upright and just pleases Yahweh more than sacrifice.

4. An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

4. Haughty looks, proud heart, the light of the wicked is sin.

5. The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.

5. The plans of a hardworking man result in earnings; poverty is for those who act too hastily.

6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

6. To make a fortune by means of deceit is like running after the wind; the end is death.

7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

7. The violence of the wicked carries them away because they refuse to practice justice.

8. The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.

8. The way of the criminal is devious; but honest are the ways of the innocent man.

9. [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

9. Better the corner of a barn to live in than a house shared with a raging woman.

10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

10. The soul of the wicked desires nothing but evil; not even his friend is treated with compassion.

11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

11. When the mocker is punished the ignorant man grows wise; when the wise man is instructed he grows in knowledge.

12. The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.

12. The Just One watches the house of the evildoer and hurls the wicked into misfortune.

13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

13. He who is deaf to the poor man's cry will not be heard when he himself calls out.

14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

14. A discreet gift pacifies anger, a bribe diverts violent rage.

15. [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.

15. Upright men are glad when justice reigns but evildoers tremble.

16. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

16. He who departs from the ways of prudence will sleep in the assembly of the Shades.

17. He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

17. Pleasure-lovers remain poor, he who loves wine and perfume will never grow rich.

18. The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

18. The wicked man will pay for the virtuous and the treacherous man, for the honest.

19. [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

19. Better to live in a deserted place than with a raging and abusive woman.

20. [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

20. There is oil and precious treasure in the wise man's house, things which the fool squanders.

21. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

21. He who seeks justice and mercy will gain life, prosperity and honor.

22. A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

22. The wise man conquers a city of warriors and tears down the walls they trust in.

23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

23. He who keeps guard over his mouth and tongue saves himself from anguish.

24. Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

24. "Mocker" is the name of the arrogant and haughty, he in whom pride abounds.

25. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

25. The idler's desires lead him to death because his hands refuse to work.

26. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

26. He covets all day long while the upright man gives without stinting.

27. The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

27. Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, above all when they offer it for an unjust cause.

28. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

28. The lying witness will perish but he who listens wisely will be given time to speak.

29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way.

29. The wicked man tries to appear firm and table while the honest man confirms his way.

30. [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

30. No wisdom, prudence or advice can withstand the look of Yahweh.

31. The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

31. The horse is equipped for the day of battle but it is Yahweh who gives the victory.