Proverbs 21 · משלי

Like water courses is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord: he directs it wherever he wishes.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord weighs the heart.

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

A haughty look, and a proud heart are the sinful growth of the wicked.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but everyone that is hasty comes to want.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour: they lead to death.

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

The way of some men is crooked and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a roomy house.

The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbour finds no favour in his eyes.

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

The righteous man who considers the house of the wicked, leads the wicked astray to greater evil.

Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

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

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but it is the downfall of the workers of iniquity.

The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the shades.

He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

It is better to live in the wilderness, than with a contentious and shrewish woman.

Costly things and oil are treasured up in the wise man’s dwelling: but a fool devours them.

He that follows righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honour.

A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and casts down the stronghold in which it trusts.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

The proud and haughty one, scorner is his name, acts in arrogant wrath.

The desire of the lazy man kills him; for his hands refuse to labour;

he covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when he brings it with evil intent?

A false witness shall perish: but the word of a man who truly attends shall endure.

A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he considers his way.

There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but safety comes from the Lord.