21:1 The king's heart is like streams of water. Both are under the LORD's control. He turns them in any direction he chooses.
21:2 A person thinks everything he does is right, but the LORD weighs hearts.
21:3 Doing what is right and fair is more acceptable to the LORD than offering a sacrifice.
21:4 A conceited look and an arrogant attitude, which are the lamps of wicked people, are sins.
21:5 The plans of a hard-working person lead to prosperity, but everyone who is [always] in a hurry ends up in poverty.
21:6 Those who gather wealth by lying are wasting time. They are looking for death.
21:7 The violence of wicked people will drag them away since they refuse to do what is just.
21:8 The way of a guilty person is crooked, but the behavior of those who are pure is moral.
21:9 Better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a home with a quarreling woman.
21:10 The mind of a wicked person desires evil and has no consideration for his neighbor.
21:11 When a mocker is punished, a gullible person becomes wise, and when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.
21:12 A righteous person wisely considers the house of a wicked person. He throws wicked people into disasters.
21:13 Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will call and not be answered.
21:14 A gift [given] in secret calms anger, and a secret bribe calms great fury.
21:15 When justice is done, a righteous person is delighted, but troublemakers are terrified.
21:16 A person who wanders from the way of wise behavior will rest in the assembly of the dead.
21:17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor. Whoever loves wine and expensive food will not become rich.
21:18 Wicked people become a ransom for righteous people, and treacherous people will take the place of decent people.
21:19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarreling and angry woman.
21:20 Costly treasure and wealth are in the home of a wise person, but a fool devours them.
21:21 Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.
21:22 A wise man attacks a city of warriors and pulls down the strong defenses in which they trust.
21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
21:24 An arrogant, conceited person is called a mocker. His arrogance knows no limits.
21:25 The desire of a lazy person will kill him because his hands refuse to work.
21:26 All day long he feels greedy, but a righteous person gives and does not hold back.
21:27 The sacrifice of wicked people is disgusting, especially if they bring it with evil intent.
21:28 A lying witness will die, but a person who listens to advice will continue to speak.
21:29 A wicked person puts up a bold front, but a decent person's way of life is his own security.
21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, and no advice [can stand up] against the LORD.
21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
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