He directs it wherever He chooses.
but the Lord evaluates the motives.[a]
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart—is sin.
but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.
is a vanishing mist,[c] a pursuit of death.[d][e]
because they refuse to act justly.
but the behavior of the innocent is upright.
than to share a house with a nagging wife.
he has no consideration[f] for his neighbor.
the inexperienced become wiser;
when one teaches a wise man,
he acquires knowledge.
He brings the wicked to ruin.
will himself also call out and not be answered.
and a covert bribe,[g] fierce rage.
but a terror to those who practice iniquity.
will come to rest
in the assembly of the departed spirits.
whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.
and the treacherous, for[h] the upright.
than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.
but a foolish man consumes them.[i]
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
and brought down its secure fortress.
keeps himself out of trouble.
acts with excessive pride.
because his hands refuse to work.
26 He is filled with craving[j] all day long,
but the righteous give and don’t hold back.
how much more so
when he brings it with ulterior motives!
but the one who listens will speak successfully.
but the upright man considers his way.
will prevail against the Lord.
but victory comes from the Lord.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 21:2 Lit Lord weighs the hearts
- Proverbs 21:4 Some Hb mss, ancient versions read tillage
- Proverbs 21:6 Or a breath blown away
- Proverbs 21:6 Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg read a snare of death
- Proverbs 21:6 Lit is vanity, ones seeking death
- Proverbs 21:10 Or favor
- Proverbs 21:14 Lit a bribe in the bosom
- Proverbs 21:18 Or in place of
- Proverbs 21:20 Lit it
- Proverbs 21:26 Lit He craves a craving