Proverbs

The 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 LORD's hand, like a stream of water. He turns it wherever he wants.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

2People think their own way is right. But the LORD weighs what is really in the heart.

3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

3Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than bringing him a sacrifice.

4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

4A proud look, a proud heart, and everything the wicked do and grow: all of it is sin.

5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

5Careful plans lead to plenty. Rushing leads to being poor.

Note"Want" in the KJV means lack or being poor, not wanting something.

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

6Getting rich by lying is a mist that blows away. Those who chase it are chasing death.

7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is fair.

8The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

8A guilty person's path is crooked and twisted. But an innocent person does what 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 live in a corner of the roof than to share a big house with a wife who keeps fighting.

NoteRoofs in Israel were flat, and people used them like an extra room. A corner of the roof was a cramped, exposed place to sleep.

10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

10A wicked person wants to do evil. He shows no kindness even to the people next door.

11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

11When a mocker is punished, simple people learn something. When a wise person is taught, he gains knowledge.

12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

12The Righteous One watches the house of the wicked. He brings the wicked down to ruin.

13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

13If you cover your ears when a poor person cries for help, you will cry for help too, and no one will answer.

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

14A gift given quietly calms someone's anger. A hidden bribe cools down great rage.

NoteThe KJV says "a reward in the bosom." Clothes had a fold at the chest where money was carried, so this means a bribe passed secretly.

15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

15When justice is done, good people are glad. But it means ruin for those who do wrong.

16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

16A person who wanders off the path of good sense will end up resting among the dead.

17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

17Whoever loves having fun will become poor. Whoever loves wine and costly oil will never be rich.

18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

18The wicked ends up paying the price the good person would have paid. The one who breaks his word pays for the honest.

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

19It is better to live out in the desert than with a wife who argues and stays angry.

20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

20The home of a wise person holds fine treasure and oil. A foolish person eats through it all.

21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

21Whoever chases after what is right and stays loving will find life, right standing, and honor.

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

22A wise man can climb into the city of strong warriors and pull down the walls they trusted.

23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

24"Mocker" is the name for a proud and stuck-up man who acts with raging pride.

25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

25A lazy person's wanting will kill him, because his hands refuse to work.

26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

26All day long he wants more. But good people give, and they do not hold back.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

27The LORD hates a sacrifice brought by a wicked person. It is worse still when he brings it planning evil.

28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

28A lying witness will be destroyed. But a man who listens carefully will keep on speaking.

Note"Speaketh constantly" in the KJV means speaks steadily and keeps on speaking, not speaks all the time.

29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

29A wicked man puts on a hard face. An honest man makes sure his own way is right.

30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

30No wisdom, no understanding, and no plan can stand against the LORD.

31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

31The horse is made ready for the day of battle. But it is the LORD who brings the victory.