Proverbs Chapter 21
King James Version (KJV)
Other Translations
darby (darby) - eBible.org Darby 1890 plaintext
1
The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is [as] brooks of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
3
To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
4
Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp 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.
6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.
7
The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
8
Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.
9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.
10
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11
When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12
One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin.
13
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also himself shall cry, and shall not be heard.
14
A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.
15
It is joy to a righteous [man] to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity.
16
The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.
17
He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18
The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright.
19
It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.
20
There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22
A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24
Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.
25
The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work:
26
He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose!
28
A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.
29
A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.
30
There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah.
31
The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.
lxxbrent (lxxbrent) - Septuagint (Brenton 1851) eBible USFM
1
As a rush of water, so is the king's heart in God's hand: he turns it whithersoever he may desire to point out.
2
Every man seems to himself righteous; but the Lord directs the hearts.
3
To do justly and to speak truth, are more pleasing to God than the blood of sacrifices.
4
A high-minded man is stout-hearted in [his] pride; and the lamp of the wicked is sin.
6
He that gathers treasures with a lying tongue pursues vanity [on] to the snares of death.
7
Destruction shall lodge with the ungodly; for they refuse to do justly.
8
To the froward God sends froward ways; for his works are pure and right.
9
[It is] better to dwell in a corner on the house-top, than in plastered [rooms] with unrighteousness, and in an open house.
10
The soul of the ungodly shall not be pitied by any man.
11
When an intemperate man is punished the simple becomes wiser: and a wise man understanding will receive knowledge.
12
A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.
13
He that stops his ears from hearing the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear [him].
14
A secret gift calms anger: but he that forbears to give stirs up strong wrath.
15
[It is] the joy of the righteous to do judgment: but a holy [man] is abominable with evil-doers.
16
A man that wanders out of the way of righteousness, shall rest in the congregation of giants.
17
A poor man loves mirth, loving wine and oil in abundance;
18
and a transgressor is the abomination of a righteous man.
19
[It is] better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and talkative and passionate woman.
20
A desirable treasure will rest on the mouth of the wise; but foolish men will swallow it up.
21
The way of righteousness and mercy will find life and glory.
22
A wise man assaults strong cities, and demolishes the fortress in which the ungodly trusted.
23
He that keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble.
24
A bold and self-willed and insolent [man] is called a pest: and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.
25
Desires kill the sluggard; for his hands do not choose to do anything.
26
An ungodly man entertains evil desires all the day: but the righteous is unsparingly merciful and compassionate.
27
The sacrifices of the ungodly are abomination to the Lord, for they offer them wickedly.
28
A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man will speak cautiously.
29
An ungodly man impudently withstands with his face; but the upright man himself understands his ways.
30
There is no wisdom, there is no courage, there is no counsel against the ungodly.
31
A horse is prepared for the day of battle; but help is of the Lord.
vul1914 (vul1914) - Vulgate 1914 UTF-8 (sacredbible.org)
1
Sicut divisiones aquarum, ita cor regis in manu Domini: quocumque voluerit, inclinabit illud.
2
Omnis via viri recta sibi videtur: appendit autem corda Dominus.
3
Facere misericordiam et iudicium, magis placet Domino quam victimæ.
4
Exaltatio oculorum est dilatatio cordis: lucerna impiorum peccatum.
5
Cogitationes robusti semper in abundantia: omnis autem piger semper in egestate est.
6
Qui congregat thesauros lingua mendacii, vanus et excors est, et impingetur ad laqueos mortis.
7
Rapinæ impiorum detrahent eos, quia noluerunt facere iudicium.
8
Perversa via viri, aliena est: qui autem mundus est, rectum opus eius.
9
Melius est sedere in angulo domatis, quam cum muliere litigiosa, et in domo communi.
10
Anima impii desiderat malum, non miserebitur proximo suo.
11
Mulctato pestilente sapientior erit parvulus: et si sectetur sapientem, sumet scientiam.
12
Excogitat iustus de domo impii, ut detrahat impios a malo.
13
Qui obturat aurem suam ad clamorem pauperis, et ipse clamabit, et non exaudietur.
14
Munus absconditum extinguit iras: et donum in sinu indignationem maximam.
15
Gaudium iusto est facere iudicium: et pavor operantibus iniquitatem.
16
Vir, qui erraverit a via doctrinæ, in cœtu gigantum commorabitur.
17
Qui diligit epulas, in egestate erit: qui amat vinum, et pinguia, non ditabitur.
18
Pro iusto datur impius: et pro rectis iniquus.
19
Melius est habitare in terra deserta, quam cum muliere rixosa et iracunda.
20
Thesaurus desiderabilis, et oleum in habitaculo iusti: et imprudens homo dissipabit illud.
21
Qui sequitur iustitiam et misericordiam, inveniet vitam, iustitiam, et gloriam.
22
Civitatem fortium ascendit sapiens, et destruxit robur fiduciæ eius.
23
Qui custodit os suum, et linguam suam, custodit ab angustiis animam suam.
24
Superbus et arrogans vocatur indoctus, qui in ira operatur superbiam.
25
Desideria occidunt pigrum: noluerunt enim quidquam manus eius operari:
26
tota die concupiscit et desiderat: qui autem iustus est, tribuet, et non cessabit.
27
Hostiæ impiorum abominabiles, quia offeruntur ex scelere.
28
Testis mendax peribit: vir obediens loquetur victoriam.
29
Vir impius procaciter obfirmat vultum suum: qui autem rectus est, corrigit viam suam.
30
Non est sapientia, non est prudentia, non est consilium contra Dominum.
31
Equus paratur ad diem belli: Dominus autem salutem tribuit.
web (web) - WorldEnglish.Bible — CC0 modern update of ASV
1
The king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.
2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
3
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4
A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
5
The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
6
Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.
7
The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
8
The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.
10
The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11
When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12
The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.
13
Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
14
A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
15
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
16
The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.
17
He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won’t be rich.
18
The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright.
19
It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.
20
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.
21
He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22
A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.
23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24
The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride.
25
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26
There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.
27
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
28
A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity.
29
A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31
The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with the LORD.
ylt (ylt) - Bible.com YLT98 plain UTF-8
1
Rivulets of waters <FI>is<Fi> the heart of a king in the hand of Jehovah, Wherever He pleaseth He inclineth it.
2
Every way of a man <FI>is<Fi> right in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering hearts.
3
To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of Jehovah rather than sacrifice.
4
Loftiness of eyes, and breadth of heart, Tillage of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> sin.
5
The purposes of the diligent <FI>are<Fi> only to advantage, And of every hasty one, only to want.
6
The making of treasures by a lying tongue, <FI>Is<Fi> a vanity driven away of those seeking death.
7
The spoil of the wicked catcheth them, Because they have refused to do judgment.
8
Froward <FI>is<Fi> the way of a man who is vile, And the pure--upright <FI>is<Fi> his work.
9
Better to sit on a corner of the roof, Than <FI>with<Fi> a woman of contentions and a house of company.
10
The soul of the wicked hath desired evil, Not gracious in his eyes is his neighbour.
11
When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.
12
The Righteous One is acting wisely Towards the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.
13
Whoso is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also doth cry, and is not answered.
14
A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.
15
To do justice <FI>is<Fi> joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.
16
A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, In an assembly of Rephaim resteth.
17
Whoso <FI>is<Fi> loving mirth <FI>is<Fi> a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.
18
The wicked <FI>is<Fi> an atonement for the righteous, And for the upright the treacherous dealer.
19
Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than <FI>with<Fi> a woman of contentions and anger.
20
A treasure to be desired, and oil, <FI>Is<Fi> in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.
21
Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22
A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.
23
Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.
24
Proud, haughty, scorner <FI>is<Fi> his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride.
25
The desire of the slothful slayeth him, For his hands have refused to work.
26
All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
27
The sacrifice of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> abomination, Much more when in wickedness he bringeth it.
28
A false witness doth perish, And an attentive man for ever speaketh.
29
A wicked man hath hardened by his face, And the upright--he prepareth his way.
30
There is no wisdom, nor understanding, Nor counsel, over-against Jehovah.
31
A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance <FI>is<Fi> of Jehovah!
Explanations by Age Level
Explain Like I'm 5
A long, long time ago, there was nothing at all - no earth, no sky, no animals, no people. It was all dark and empty. But God was there! God is so powerful that He can make anything just by speaking. So God said "Let there be light!" and BOOM! There was light everywhere! God saw that the light was beautiful and good. He called the light "day" and the darkness "night." This was the very first day when God started making our wonderful world!
Explain Like I'm 10
Before anything existed - no planets, stars, or life - God decided to create the universe. The earth started out as a dark, empty place covered with water. But God's Spirit was there, ready to bring order and beauty to everything. When God spoke and said "Let there be light," light immediately appeared because God's words have incredible power. God looked at the light and was pleased with what He had made. He organized time by separating light (day) from darkness (night), creating the first 24-hour period. This shows us that God is organized and purposeful in everything He does.
Explain Like I'm 15
Genesis 1:1-5 establishes fundamental theological truths about God and creation. The Hebrew word "bara" (created) indicates creation from nothing (ex nihilo), demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and power. The phrase "without form and void" (tohu wa-bohu) describes a state of chaos that God transforms into order. The Spirit of God "hovering" or "brooding" over the waters suggests active, caring involvement in creation. The creation of light before the sun (created on day 4) indicates that God Himself is the ultimate source of light and energy. The establishment of day and night creates the framework of time, showing that God operates within orderly patterns while transcending them. This passage refutes both atheistic materialism and pantheism, establishing that God is both transcendent (separate from creation) and immanent (actively involved in it).