The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, because they refuse to act with justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, but as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, turning the wicked to ruin.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret subdues anger, and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.
24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, who acts with insolent pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he is craving, while the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
29 A wicked man displays a bold face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.
2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, because they refuse to act with justice.
8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, but as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, turning the wicked to ruin.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret subdues anger, and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.
20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.
24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, who acts with insolent pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he is craving, while the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
29 A wicked man displays a bold face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.
It is God's will:
- that we do not squander (21:20)
- that we are not contentious or cause others to be frustrated (21:9, 19)
- that we speak with wisdom so we can avoid trouble (21:23)
- that we marry someone who has a godly heart of love and peace (21:9, 19)
- that we pursue righteousness and loyalty (21:21)
- that we learn from instruction (21:11)
- that we are diligent when making plans (21:5)
- that we are righteous and just (21:3)
- that we give generously to the needy (21:13, 26)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, forgive my thoughts and actions which have been self-centered and selfish. Guide me in making all my relationships peaceful, loving and encouraging. When my husband and I agree on a plan of action, may we stay loyal to carrying that out together. When a disagreement does occur, help me to sort it out graciously. When a need arises, help us to give generously and selflessly with the heart of a servant. Amen.
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