Proverbs 21
1The king’s heart is in Adonai’s hand like the watercourses. 2 He turns it wherever he desires. 1
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, 2 but Adonai weighs the hearts. 1
3To do righteousness and mishpat ·justice· 2 is more acceptable to Adonai than sacrifice. 1
4A high look, and a proud heart, 2 the lamp candle of the wicked, is habitual sin ·missing the mark·. 1
5The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; 2 and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 1
6Getting treasures by a lying tongue 2 is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 1
7The violence of the wicked will drive them away, 2 because they refuse to do what is mishpat ·just·. 1
8The way of the guilty is devious, 2 but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 1
9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, 2 than to share a house with a contentious woman. 1
10The soul of the wicked desires evil; 2 his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. 1
11When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. 2 When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 1
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, 2 and brings the wicked to ruin. 1
13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, 2 he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 1
14A gift in secret pacifies anger; 2 and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 1
15It is joy to the upright to do mishpat ·justice·; 2 but it is a destruction to the workers of vain striving of iniquity. 1
16The man who wanders out of the way of understanding 2 shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 1
17He who 'ahav ·affectionately loves· pleasure shall be a poor man. 2 He who 'ahav ·affectionately loves· wine and oil shall not be rich. 1
18The wicked is a ransom for the upright; 2 the treacherous for the upright. 1
19It is better to dwell in a desert land, 2 than with a contentious and fretful woman. 1
20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; 2 but a foolish man swallows it up. 1
21He who follows after righteousness and chesed ·loving-kindness· 2 finds life, righteousness, and kavod ·weighty glory·. 1
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, 2 and brings down the strength of its confidence. 1
23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue 2 keeps his soul from troubles. 1
24The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; 2 he works in the arrogance of pride. 1
25The desire of the sluggard kills him, 2 for his hands refuse to labor. 1
26There are those who covet greedily all day long; 2 but the upright give and don’t withhold. 1
27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: 2 how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 1
28A false witness will perish, 2 and a man who sh'ma ·hears obeys· speaks to eternity. 1
29A wicked man hardens his face; 2 but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 1
30There is no wisdom nor understanding 2 nor counsel against Adonai. 1
31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; 2 but victory is with Adonai.