Proverbs 21

International Standard Version

² Every man’s lifestyle is proper in his own view,
    but the Lord weighs the heart.

³ To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
⁴ A proud attitude,^[a] accompanied by^[b] a haughty look, is sin;
    they reveal^[c] wicked people.

⁵ Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity,
    but all who are hasty will surely become poor.

⁶ A fortune gained by deceit^[d]
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.^[e]

⁷ Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away
    because they refuse to do what is just.

⁸ The conduct^[f] of a guilty man is perverse,
    but the behavior of the pure is upright.

⁹ It’s better to live in a corner on the roof
    than to share a house with a contentious woman.

¹⁰ The soul of the wicked craves evil;
    he extends no mercy to his neighbor.

¹¹ When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom;
    but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
¹² The righteous God^[g] considers the house of the wicked,
    bringing the wicked to ruin.

¹³ Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor
    will also cry himself, but he won’t be answered.

¹⁴ Privately given gifts pacify wrath,
    and payments made secretly^[h] appease^[i] great anger.

¹⁵ Administering justice brings joy to the righteous,
    but terror to those who practice iniquity.

¹⁶ Whoever wanders from the path of understanding
    will end up where the dead^[j] are gathered.

¹⁷ Pleasure lovers become poor;
    loving wine and oil doesn’t bring riches.

¹⁸ The wicked are ransom for the righteous,
    and the unfaithful for the upright.

¹⁹ It’s better to live in the wilderness
    than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.

²⁰ Precious treasures and oil are found^[k] where the wise live,
    but a foolish man devours them.

²¹ Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love
    finds life, righteousness, and honor.

²² A wise man attacks the city of the mighty,
    bringing down the fortress in which they trust.

²³ Whoever watches his mouth and tongue
    keeps himself from trouble.

²⁴ The names “Proud,” “Arrogant,” and “Mocker”
    fit whoever acts with presumptuous conceit.

²⁵ What the lazy person craves will kill him,
    because his hands refuse to work.
²⁶ All day long he continues to crave,
    while the righteous person gives without holding back.

²⁷ What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable—
    how much more when he offers it with vile motives!

²⁸ A false witness will perish,
    but whoever listens will testify successfully.^[l]

²⁹ The wicked man puts up a bold appearance,
    but the upright thinks about what he is doing.^[m]

³⁰ No wisdom, insight, or counsel
    can prevail^[n] against the Lord.

³¹ The horse may be prepared for the day of battle,
    but to the Lord goes the victory.