21 The
king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth
it whithersoever he will. 2 Every
way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3 To
do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 An
high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing 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. 6 The
getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of
them that seek death. 7 The
robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 8 The
way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It
is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman
in a wide house. 10 The
soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his
eyes. 11 When
the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is
instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The
righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth
the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoso
stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but
shall not be heard. 14 A
gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 15 It
is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers
of iniquity.
16
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the
congregation of the dead. 17 He
that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall
not be rich. 18 The
wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the
upright. 19 It
is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry
woman. 20 There
is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish
man spendeth it up. 21 He
that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness,
and honour. 22 A wise
man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the
confidence thereof. 23 Whoso
keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 Proud
and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. 25 The
desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He
coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth
not. 27 The
sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth
it with a wicked mind? 28 A false
witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. 29 A wicked
man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. 30 There
is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 31 The
horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.