21:1 The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.
21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.
21:3 The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
21:4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
21:6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
21:7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
21:8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
21:9 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
21:10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
21:11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
21:12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
21:13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
21:14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
21:15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
21:16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
21:17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
21:18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
21:19 It's better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
21:21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
21:22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
21:23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
21:24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
21:25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
21:26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
21:27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
21:28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
21:29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
21:30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.
21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
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