Proverbs 21

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will he shall turn it.	1 Like a stream is the king's heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
2 Every way of a man seemeth right to himself: but the Lord weigheth the hearts.	2 All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts.
3 To do mercy and judgment, pleaseth the Lord more than victims.	3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughtiness of the eyes is the enlarging of the heart: the lamp of the wicked is sin.	4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart-- the tillage of the wicked is sin.
5 The thoughts of the industrious always bring forth abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.	5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
6 He that gathereth treasures by a lying tongue, is vain and foolish, and shall stumble upon the snares of death.	6 He who makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
7 The robberies of the wicked shall be their downfall, because they would not do judgment.	7 The oppression of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The perverse way of a man is strange: but as for him that is pure, his work is right.	8 The way of the culprit is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is right.
9 It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling women, and in a common house.	9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than in a roomy house with a quarrelsome woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil, he will not have pity on his neighbour.	10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
11 When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive knowledge.	11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked, that he may withdraw the wicked from evil.	12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
13 He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, shall also cry himself and shall not be heard.	13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
14 A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom the greatest wrath.	14 A secret gift allays anger, and a concealed present, violent wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them that work iniquity.	15 To practice justice is a joy for the just, but terror for evildoers.
16 A man that shall wander out of the way of doctrine, shall abide in the company of the giants.	16 The man who strays from the way of good sense will abide in the assembly of the shades.
17 He that loveth good cheer, shall be in want: he that loveth wine, and fat things, shall not be rich.	17 He who loves pleasure will suffer want; he who loves wine and perfume will not be rich.
18 The wicked is delivered up for the just: and the unjust for the righteous.	18 The wicked man serves as ransom for the just, and the faithless man for the righteous.
19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and passionate woman.	19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and vexatious wife.
20 There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it.	20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes it.
21 He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice, and glory.	21 He who pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor.
22 The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath cast down the strength of the confidence thereof.	22 The wise man storms a city of the mighty, and overthrows the stronghold in which it trusts.
23 He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress.	23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 The proud and the arrogant is called ignorant, who in anger worketh pride.	24 Arrogant is the name for the man of overbearing pride who acts with scornful effrontery.
25 Desires kill the slothful: for his hands have refused to work at all.	25 The sluggard's propensity slays him, for his hands refuse to work.
26 He longeth and desireth all the day : but he that is just, will give, and will not cease.	26 Some are consumed with avarice all the day, but the just man gives unsparingly.
27 The sacrifices of the wicked are abominable, because they are offered of wickedness.	27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, the more so when they offer it with a bad intention.
28 A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak of victory.	28 The false witness will perish, but he who listens will finally have his say.
29 The wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but he that is righteous, correcteth his way.	29 The wicked man is brazenfaced, but the upright man pays heed to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord.	30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but the Lord giveth safety.	31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the LORD'S.