1A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever he chooses.21:1 Ezr 6:22
2All a person’s ways seem right to him,
3Doing what is righteous and just
4The lamp that guides the wicked —
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart21:4 Ps 101:5; Pr 6:16–17; 30:13 — is sin.
5The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit,
6Making a fortune through a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist,21:6 Or a breath blown away a pursuit of death.21:6 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg read a snare of death21:6 Lit is vanity, ones seeking death21:6 Pr 8:36; 13:11; 20:21
7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away
because they refuse to act justly.
but the behavior of the innocent is upright.21:8 Pr 20:11
9Better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a house with a nagging wife.21:9 Pr 15:16–17; 17:1; 21:19; 25:24
10A wicked person desires evil;
he has no consideration21:10 Or favor for his neighbor.21:10 Pr 14:21
11When a mocker is punished,
the inexperienced become wiser;
when one teaches a wise man,
he acquires knowledge.21:11 Pr 19:25
12The Righteous One21:12 Or righteous one considers the house of the wicked;
he brings the wicked to ruin.
13The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
will himself also call out and not be answered.21:13 Pr 14:31; 17:5; Mt 18:30–34; Jms 2:13; 1Jn 3:17
14A secret gift soothes anger,
15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
16The person who strays from the way of prudence
17The one who loves pleasure will become poor;
18The wicked are a ransom for the righteous,
19Better to live in a wilderness
than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.21:19 Pr 21:9
20Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person,
21The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
22A wise person went up against a city of warriors
23The one who guards his mouth and tongue
24The arrogant and proud person, named “Mocker,”
25A slacker’s craving will kill him
26He is filled with craving21:26 Lit He craves a craving all day long,
but the righteous give and don’t hold back.21:26 Ps 37:26; Pr 11:24–25
27The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable —
how much more so
but the one who listens will speak successfully.
but the upright one considers his way.
30No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel
will prevail against the Lord.21:30 Is 8:9–10; 1Co 3:19–20
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