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Proverbs 21 :: New American Standard Bible 2020 (NASB20)

On Life and Conduct

Pro 21:1

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD;

He turns it wherever He pleases.

Pro 21:2

Every person’s way is right in his own eyes,

But the LORD examines the hearts.

Pro 21:3

To do righteousness and justice

Is preferred by the LORD more than sacrifice.

Pro 21:4

Haughty eyes and a proud heart,

The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

Pro 21:5

The plans of the diligent certainly lead to advantage,

But everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty.

Pro 21:6

The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue

Is a fleeting vapor, the [fn]pursuit of death.

Pro 21:7

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,

Because they refuse to act with justice.

Pro 21:8

The way of a guilty person is crooked,

But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

Pro 21:9

It is better to live on a corner of a roof

Than [fn]in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Pro 21:10

The soul of the wicked desires evil;

His neighbor is shown no compassion in his eyes.

Pro 21:11

When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise;

But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

Pro 21:12

The [fn]righteous one considers the house of the wicked,

Bringing the wicked to ruin.

Pro 21:13

One who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor

Will also call out himself, and not be answered.

Pro 21:14

A gift in secret subdues anger,

And a bribe [fn]in an inside pocket, strong wrath.

Pro 21:15

The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,

But terror to those who practice injustice.

Pro 21:16

A person who wanders from the way of understanding

Will rest in the assembly of the [fn]dead.

Pro 21:17

One who loves pleasure will become a poor person;

One who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

Pro 21:18

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,

And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.

Pro 21:19

It is better to live in a desert land

Than with a contentious and irritating woman.

Pro 21:20

There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise,

But a foolish person swallows it up.

Pro 21:21

One who pursues righteousness and loyalty

Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Pro 21:22

A wise person scales the city of the mighty

And brings down the [fn]stronghold in which they trust.

Pro 21:23

One who guards his mouth and his tongue,

Guards his soul from troubles.

Pro 21:24

“Proud,” “Arrogant,” “Scoffer,” are his names,

One who acts with insolent pride.

Pro 21:25

The desire of the [fn]lazy one puts him to death,

For his hands refuse to work;

Pro 21:26

All day long he [fn]is craving,

While the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Pro 21:27

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,

How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

Pro 21:28

A false witness will perish,

But a person who listens will speak forever.

Pro 21:29

A wicked person [fn]displays a bold face,

But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

Pro 21:30

There is no wisdom, no understanding,

And no [fn]plan against the LORD.

Pro 21:31

The horse is prepared for the day of battle,

But the victory belongs to the LORD.

NASB20 Footnotes
Lit seekers
Lit with a woman of contentions and a house of association
Or Righteous One
Lit a fold in a robe; i.e., secretly
Lit departed spirits
Lit strength of trust
Lit idle
Lit desires desire
Lit makes firm with his face
Or advice
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Proverbs Chapter 21 — Additional Translations: