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Proverbs 21
1 Like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of Yahweh, who turns it where he pleases
2 A man’s conduct may strike him as upright, Yahweh, however, weighs the heart.
3 To act virtuously and with justice is more pleasing to Yahweh than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eye, proud heart, lamp of the wicked, nothing but sin.
5 The hardworking man is thoughtful, and all is gain; too much haste, and all that comes of it is want.
6 To make a fortune with the help of a lying tongue, such the idle fantasy of those who look for death.
7 The marauding of the wicked entraps them through their refusal to do what is right.
8 The way of the felon is devious, the conduct of the innocent straightforward.
9 Better the corner of a loft to live in than a house shared with a scolding woman.
10 The wicked man’s soul is intent on evil, he looks on his neighbour with dislike.
11 When a mocker is punished, the ignorant man grows wiser, when a wise man is instructed he acquires more knowledge.
12 The Just One watches the house of the wicked: he hurls the wicked to destruction.
13 He who shuts his ear to the poor man’s cry shall himself plead and not be heard.
14 Anger is mollified by a covert gift, raging fury by a bribe under cover of the cloak.
15 For the virtuous man it is a joy to execute justice, but it brings dismay to evil-doers.
16 The man who strays from the way of prudence will rest where the Shades gather round him.
17 Pleasure-lovers stay poor, he will not grow rich who loves wine and good living.
18 The wicked man is the price to be paid for the virtuous, the deceiver for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert land than with a scolding and irritable woman.
20 If in a wise man’s dwelling there is precious treasure and oil, the fool will gobble it up.
21 He who pursues virtue and kindness shall find life and honour too.
22 The wise man can scale a citadel of warriors and throw down the rampart it trusted in.
23 He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue preserves himself from disaster.
24 Arrogant, haughty, his name is ‘Mocker’ overweening pride marks his behaviour.
25 The idler’s desires are the death of him, since his hands will do no work.
26 The godless is forever coveting, the virtuous man gives without ever refusing.
27 The sacrifice of wicked men is abhorrent, above all when they offer for bad motives.
28 The false witness will meet his doom, but the speech of the obedient will always be heard.
29 The wicked man assumes an air of confidence, the honest man gives his own conduct careful thought.
30 Neither wisdom, nor prudence, nor advice, can stand in Yahweh’s presence.
31 The horse is caparisoned for the day of battle, but to Yahweh the victory belongs.