Proverbs 21 — FBV
21Verse 1The Lord directs the king's decisions like a stream of water that he sends whichever way he wants.Verse 2People think that whatever they do is fine, but the Lord looks at their motives.Verse 3Doing what's right and fair pleases the Lord more than sacrifices.Verse 4Pride and arrogance are the sins the wicked live by.+Verse 5Those who plan ahead and work hard will have plenty, while those who act rashly end up poor.Verse 6Money made by lies is like smoke in the wind—a chase that ends in death.Verse 7The destruction+caused by the wicked will destroy them, for they refuse to do what's right.Verse 8Guilty people live crooked lives, but the innocent follow straight paths.Verse 9It's better to live in a corner of a housetop than to share a whole house with an argumentative wife.Verse 10Evil people love to do wrong, they don't care what pain they cause anyone.Verse 11When a mocker is punished, an immature person can learn wisdom. When the wise are educated, they gain knowledge.Verse 12The God of justice+sees what happens in the homes of the wicked, and brings the wicked down in disaster.Verse 13If you refuse to hear the cries of the poor, your cries won't be heard either.Verse 14A gift given in secret calms down anger, and a hidden bribe soothes furious rage.Verse 15When justice is done, the good are happy, but it brings terror to those who do evil.Verse 16Anyone who wanders away from the path of understanding ends up with the dead.Verse 17If you love pleasure you'll become poor; if you love wine and olive oil+you won't ever be rich.Verse 18The wicked pay the price and not the good; those who are deceitful and not those who live right.+Verse 19It's better to live in a desert than with an argumentative and bad-tempered wife.Verse 20The wise hold on to their wealth and olive oil, but stupid people use up everything they have.Verse 21If you pursue goodness and trustworthy love, you'll find life, prosperity, and honor.Verse 22The wise can overcome a city belonging to strong warriors, and tear down the fortress they trusted to protect them.Verse 23If you watch what you say, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.Verse 24A proud, conceited, mocker—that's the name of those who act with insolent arrogance.Verse 25Slackers die hungry because they refuse to work.Verse 26Some people only want more and more all the time, but the good give generously.Verse 27The sacrifices given by the wicked are obnoxious, worse still when they're offered with evil motives.Verse 28The lies of a false witness vanish away, but the words of a reliable witness will stand.Verse 29The wicked act as bold as brass, but those who live right consider carefully what they're doing.Verse 30Whatever wisdom, understanding, or guidance you may have is nothing before the Lord.Verse 31You can get your horse ready for battle, but the victory is the Lord's.