The Lord Considers the Heart
Like the [a]rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.
But the Lord weighs the hearts.
Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
And the [b]plowing of the wicked are sin.
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
[c]Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
Because they refuse to do justice.
But as for the pure, his work is right.
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
And a bribe [f]behind the back, strong wrath.
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
And the unfaithful for the upright.
Than with a contentious and angry woman.
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
And brings down the trusted stronghold.
Keeps his soul from troubles.
He acts with arrogant pride.
For his hands refuse to labor.
26 He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous gives and does not spare.
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
But as for the upright, he [i]establishes his way.
Or counsel against the Lord.
But deliverance is of the Lord.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 21:1 channels
- Proverbs 21:4 Or lamp
- Proverbs 21:6 LXX Pursue vanity on the snares of death; Vg. Is vain and foolish, and shall stumble on the snares of death; Tg. They shall be destroyed, and they shall fall who seek death
- Proverbs 21:7 Lit. drag them away
- Proverbs 21:8 Or The way of a man is perverse and strange;
- Proverbs 21:14 Under cover, lit. in the bosom
- Proverbs 21:19 Lit. in the land of the desert
- Proverbs 21:22 Climbs over the walls of
- Proverbs 21:29 Qr., LXX understands