Proverbs 21

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. God turns it any way 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 looks at 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 animals and gifts brought to him.

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

4Proud eyes and a proud heart are what lead bad people. All of it is sin.

NoteThe KJV says "plowing of the wicked." The Hebrew word can also mean "lamp," meaning what leads or guides someone.

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

5People who plan and work hard end up with plenty. People who rush end up with too little.

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

6Getting rich by telling lies is like mist that blows away. It leads to death.

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

7Bad people hurt others, and that hurting sweeps them away. They will not do what is fair.

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

8A guilty person walks a crooked, twisting path. But a person with a clean heart 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 flat roof. That beats sharing a big house with a wife who fights.

NoteHouses then had flat roofs used like an extra room. Living up in a corner of one meant living in a small, bare spot.

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

10A bad person wants to do wrong. He is not kind 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, people who know little grow wise. When a wise person is taught, he learns even more.

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

12God, who is always right and fair, watches the house of bad people. He brings them down.

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

13Some people shut their ears when the poor cry out. Later they will cry out, and no one will answer them.

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

14A gift handed over in secret calms someone's anger. A hidden gift can quiet even very strong anger.

NoteThis gift is handed over in secret to change how someone acts. Today we would call it a bribe.

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

15When things are made fair, good people are glad. But it brings ruin to people who do wrong.

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

16Some people wander away from the path of good sense. They 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.

17A person who only loves fun will become poor. Loving wine and fine oil will not make you rich.

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

18Bad people end up being the ransom for good people. A ransom is a price paid to set someone free.

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

19It is better to live out in the empty desert. That beats living with a wife who argues and is angry.

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

20A wise person's home has good things stored up, like food and oil. A foolish person uses it all up.

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

21Chase after what is right and be kind to people. Then you will find life, goodness, and honor.

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

22A wise person can climb the wall of a strong city. He pulls down the walls the strong men trusted.

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

23Watch what you say and how you say it. Then you keep yourself out of much trouble.

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

24A proud, show-off person earns the name mocker, someone who makes fun of others. He acts with far too much pride.

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

25A lazy person wants things but will not work. That wanting destroys him.

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

26All day long he wants more and 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?

27A gift brought to God by a bad person is disgusting. It is worse still when he brings it planning evil.

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

28A witness who lies will be ruined. But a person who listens well can keep on speaking.

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

29A bad person puts on a hard, stubborn face. But an honest person makes his path sure.

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

30No wisdom, no good sense, and no clever plan can win against the LORD.

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

31People get horses ready for the day of battle. But winning comes from the LORD.