Proverbs 21

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Proverbs 21

1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD;
He directs it where He pleases.
2All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3To do righteousness and justice
is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4Haughty eyes and a proud heart —
the guides of the wicked — are sin.
5The plans of the diligent bring plenty,
as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6Making a fortune by a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.
7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away
because they refuse to do what is just.
8The way of a guilty man is crooked,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9Better to live on a corner of the roof
than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10The soul of the wicked man craves evil;
his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin.
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
14A gift in secret soothes anger,
and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous,
but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
16The man who strays from the path of understanding
will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17He who loves pleasure will become poor;
the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.
18The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the faithless for the upright.
19Better to live in the desert
than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
20Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise,
but a foolish man consumes them.
21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion
finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty
and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23He who guards his mouth and tongue
keeps his soul from distress.
24Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—
of him who acts with excessive pride.
25The craving of the slacker kills him
because his hands refuse to work.
26All day long he covets more,
but the righteous give without restraint.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable —
how much more so when brought with ill intent!
28A lying witness will perish,
but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.
29A wicked man hardens his face,
but the upright man makes his way sure.
30There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
that can prevail against the LORD.
31A horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but victory is of the LORD.
— Proverbs 21

Related Resources from Heartlight

Proverbs 21:21
Devo: Today's Verse

"He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor."

Proverbs 21:29
Devo: Today's Verse

"A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways. "

Proverbs 21:30
Devo: Daily Wisdom

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."

Proverbs 21:30
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"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."

Proverbs 21:4
Devo: Today's Verse

"Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!"

Pursuing Righteousness and Unfailing Love
Devo: Together in Christ

"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor."

Cross References for Proverbs 21

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.