Proverbs 21

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.	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 is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth 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 justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.	3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.	4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart-- the tillage of the wicked is sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.	5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.	6 He who makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.	7 The oppression of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the 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 dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide 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: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.	10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.	11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.	12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but 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 gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.	14 A secret gift allays anger, and a concealed present, violent wrath.
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.	15 To practice justice is a joy for the just, but terror for evildoers.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.	16 The man who strays from the way of good sense will abide in the assembly of the shades.
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil 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 shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.	18 The wicked man serves as ransom for the just, and the faithless man for the righteous.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.	19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and vexatious wife.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.	20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes it.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.	21 He who pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth 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 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.	23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.	24 Arrogant is the name for the man of overbearing pride who acts with scornful effrontery.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.	25 The sluggard's propensity slays him, for his hands refuse to work.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.	26 Some are consumed with avarice all the day, but the just man gives unsparingly.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?	27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, the more so when they offer it with a bad intention.
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.	28 The false witness will perish, but he who listens will finally have his say.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.	29 The wicked man is brazenfaced, but the upright man pays heed to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.	30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, against the LORD.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.	31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the LORD'S.