(KJV) Proverbs 21

⥃The King’s Heart ^{[ Psalms 21:1–13 ]}

[1] The king’s¹ heart [is] in the hand of the Lord, [as²] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. [2] Every way of a man [is] right³ in his own eyes: but the Lord⁴ pondereth the hearts. [3] To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.⁵ [4] An high look⁶, and a proud heart, [and] the⁷ plowing of the wicked⁸, [is] sin. [5] The thoughts⁹ of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every¹⁰ one [that is] hasty only to want. [6] The getting¹¹ of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek¹² death. [7] The robbery¹³ of the wicked shall destroy them¹⁴; because¹⁵ they refuse to do judgment. [8] The way¹⁶ of man [is] froward and strange: but¹⁷ [as for] the pure, his work [is] right. [9] [It is] better¹⁸ to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house¹⁹. [10] The soul²⁰ of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour²¹ in his eyes. [11] When the scorner²² is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise²³ is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. [12] The righteous [man] wisely²⁴ considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth²⁵ the wicked for [their] wickedness. [13] Whoso stoppeth²⁶ his ears at²⁷ the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself²⁸, but shall not be heard. [14] A gift²⁹ in secret³⁰ pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. [15] [It is] joy³¹ to the just to do judgment: but destruction³² [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. [16] The man that wandereth³³ out of the way of understanding shall remain³⁴ in the congregation of the dead. [17] He that loveth³⁵ pleasure³⁶ [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. [18] The wicked³⁷ [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. [19] [It is] better³⁸ to dwell in the wilderness³⁹, than with a contentious and an angry woman. [20] [There is] treasure⁴⁰ to be desired and oil⁴¹ in the dwelling of the wise; but⁴² a foolish man spendeth it up. [21] He that⁴³ followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth⁴⁴ life, righteousness, and honour. [22] A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.⁴⁵ [23] Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.⁴⁶ [24] Proud [and] haughty⁴⁷ scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath⁴⁸. [25] The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.⁴⁹ [26] He coveteth⁵⁰ greedily all the day long: but the righteous⁵¹ giveth and spareth not. [27] The sacrifice⁵² of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind⁵³? [28] A false witness⁵⁴ shall perish: but the man⁵⁵ that heareth speaketh constantly. [29] A wicked man hardeneth⁵⁶ his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth⁵⁷ his way. [30] [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.⁵⁸ [31] The horse⁵⁹ [is] prepared against the day of battle: but⁶⁰ safety⁶¹ [is] of the Lord.