Proverbs 21

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21 <1> To the Lord, a king's mind is like a ditch used to water the fields. He can lead the king wherever he wants him to go.

<2> People think that whatever they do is right, but the Lord judges the reasons for everything they do.

<3> Do what is right and fair. The Lord loves that more than sacrifices.

<4> Proud looks and proud thoughts are sins. They show a person is evil.

<5> Careful planning leads to profit. Acting too quickly leads to poverty.

<6> Wealth that comes from telling lies disappears quickly and leads to death.

<7> The bad things that evil people do will destroy them, because they refuse to do what is right.

<8> Criminals cause trouble wherever they go, but good people are honest and fair.

<9> It is better to live in a small corner on the roof than to share the house with a woman who is always arguing.

<10> Evil people always want to do more evil, and they show no mercy to people around them.

<11> When you punish a proud person who laughs at what is right, even fools will learn something.[52] But a little instruction is enough for the wise to learn what they should.

<12> God is good. He knows what the wicked are doing, and he will punish them.

<13> Those who refuse to help the poor will not receive help when they need it themselves.

<14> If anyone is angry with you, give them a gift in private. A gift given in secret will calm even the strongest anger.

<15> A decision that is fair makes good people happy, but it makes those who are evil very afraid.

<16> Whoever leaves the path of wisdom will be on their way to an early death.

<17> Loving pleasure leads to poverty. Wine and luxury will never make you wealthy.

<18> The wicked must pay for what happens to good people-the cheaters will be taken in exchange for the honest.

<19> It is better to live alone in the desert than with a short-tempered wife who loves to argue.

<20> Wise people save the nice things they have. Fools use up everything as soon as they get it.

<21> People who try hard to do good and be faithful will find life, goodness, and honor.

<22> A wise person can defeat a city full of warriors and tear down the defenses they trust in.

<23> People who are careful about what they say will save themselves from trouble.

<24> Proud people think they are better than others. They show they are evil by what they do.

<25> Lazy people will cause their own destruction because they refuse to work.

<26> Some people are greedy and never have enough. Good people are generous and have plenty.

<27> The Lord hates sacrifices from the wicked because they offer them for some evil purpose.

<28> Witnesses who lie will be caught and punished. A careful listener will always be there to speak up.

<29> Good people know they are right, but the wicked have to pretend.

<30> There is no one wise enough to make a plan that can succeed if the Lord is against it.

<31> You can prepare your horses for battle, but only the Lord can give you the victory.