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21:1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;he turns it wherever he will. 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but every one who is hasty comes only to want. 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. 21:7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just. 21:8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right. 21:9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 21:11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 21:12 The righteous observes the house of the wicked;the wicked are cast down to ruin. 21:13 He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard. 21:14 A gift in secret averts anger;and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. 21:15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers. 21:16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. 21:17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 21:18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright. 21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful woman. 21:20 Precious treasure remains in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor. 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 21:23 He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. 21:24 'Scoffer' is the name of the proud, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. 21:25 The desire of the sluggard kills him for his hands refuse to labor. 21:26 All day long the wicked covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;how much more when he brings it with evil intent. 21:28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure. 21:29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his ways. 21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the LORD. 21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.