Proverbs 21
King James Version with ApocryphaTranslation
King James Version with Apocrypha
JPS Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)
1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD , as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the hearts.
3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
4A haughty look, and a proud heart — the tillage of the wicked is sin.
5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.
6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vapour driven to and fro; they that seek them seek death.
7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
7The violence of the wicked shall drag them away; because they refuse to do justly.
8The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
8The way of man is froward and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.
9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than in a house in common with a contentious woman.
10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
10The soul of the wicked desireth evil; his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
11When the scorner is punished, the thoughtless is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
12The Righteous One considereth the house of the wicked; overthrowing the wicked to their ruin.
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be answered.
14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
14A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a present in the bosom strong wrath.
15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
15To do justly is joy to the righteous, but ruin to the workers of iniquity.
16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
16The man that strayeth out of the way of understanding shall rest in the congregation of the shades.
17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; and the faithless cometh in the stead of the upright.
19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
19It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.
20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
20There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, prosperity, and honour.
22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and bringeth down the stronghold wherein it trusteth.
23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
24A proud and haughty man, scorner is his name, even he that dealeth in overbearing pride.
25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
26There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more, when he bringeth it with the proceeds of wickedness?
28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
28A false witness shall perish; but the man that obeyeth shall speak unchallenged.
29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
29A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he looketh well to his way.
30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD .
30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD .
31The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but victory is of the LORD.
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