Proverbs 21:1

AMP: The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;He turns it whichever way He wishes. [Ex 10:1, 2; Ezra 6:22]

ASV: The king`s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.

BSB: The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD;He directs it where He pleases.

DARBY: The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is [as] brooks of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

DRA: As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will he shall turn it.

KJV: The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Proverbs 21:2

AMP: Every man’s way is right in his own eyes,But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. [Prov 24:12; Luke 16:15]

ASV: Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

BSB: All a man’s ways seem right to him,but the LORD weighs the heart.

DARBY: Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

DRA: Every way of a man seemeth right to himself: but the Lord weigheth the hearts.

KJV: Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Proverbs 21:3

AMP: To do righteousness and justiceIs more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. [1 Sam 15:22; Prov 15:8; Is 1:11; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:7, 8]

ASV: To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

BSB: To do righteousness and justiceis more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.

DARBY: To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

DRA: To do mercy and judgment, pleaseth the Lord more than victims.

KJV: To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:4

AMP: Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart,The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God].

ASV: A high look, and a proud heart, [Even] the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

BSB: Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked— are sin.

DARBY: Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

DRA: Haughtiness of the eyes is the enlarging of the heart: the lamp of the wicked is sin.

KJV: An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

Proverbs 21:5

AMP: The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage,But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.

ASV: The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty [hasteth] only to want.

BSB: The plans of the diligent bring plenty,as surely as haste leads to poverty.

DARBY: The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want.

DRA: The thoughts of the industrious al- ways bring forth abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.

KJV: The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 21:6

AMP: Acquiring treasures by a lying tongueIs a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death.

ASV: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.

BSB: Making a fortune by a lying tongueis a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.

DARBY: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.

DRA: He that gathereth treasures by a lying tongue, is vain and foolish, and shall stumble upon the snares of death.

KJV: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Proverbs 21:7

AMP: The violence of the wicked will [return to them and] drag them away [like fish caught in a net],Because they refuse to act with justice.

ASV: The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.

BSB: The violence of the wicked will sweep them awaybecause they refuse to do what is just.

DARBY: The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

DRA: The robberies of the wicked shall be their downfall, because they would not do judgment.

KJV: The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

Proverbs 21:8

AMP: The way of the guilty is [exceedingly] crooked,But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

ASV: The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.

BSB: The way of a guilty man is crooked,but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

DARBY: Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.

DRA: The perverse way of a man is strange: but as for him that is pure, his work is right.

KJV: The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

Proverbs 21:9

AMP: It is better to live in a corner of the housetop [on the flat roof, exposed to the weather]Than in a house shared with a quarrelsome (contentious) woman.

ASV: It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.

BSB: Better to live on a corner of the roofthan to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

DARBY: It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

DRA: It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling women, and in a common house.

KJV: It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:10

AMP: The soul of the wicked desires evil [like an addictive substance];His neighbor finds no compassion in his eyes. [James 2:16]

ASV: The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.

BSB: The soul of the wicked man craves evil;his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

DARBY: The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

DRA: The soul of the wicked desireth evil, he will not have pity on his neighbour.

KJV: The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:11

AMP: When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge. [Prov 19:25]

ASV: When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

BSB: When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

DARBY: When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

DRA: When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive knowledge.

KJV: When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

Proverbs 21:12

AMP: The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked—How the wicked are cast down to ruin.

ASV: The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, [How] the wicked are overthrown to [their] ruin.

BSB: The Righteous One considers the house of the wickedand brings the wicked to ruin.

DARBY: One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin.

DRA: The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked, that he may withdraw the wicked from evil.

KJV: The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Proverbs 21:13

AMP: Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poorWill cry out himself and not be answered. [Matt 18:30-34; James 2:13]

ASV: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.

BSB: Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

DARBY: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also himself shall cry, and shall not be heard.

DRA: He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, shall also cry himself and shall not be heard.

KJV: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Proverbs 21:14

AMP: A gift in secret subdues anger,And a bribe [hidden] in the pocket, strong wrath.

ASV: A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.

BSB: A gift in secret soothes anger,and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.

DARBY: A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.

DRA: A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom the greatest wrath.

KJV: A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Proverbs 21:15

AMP: When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, the one in right standing with God),But to the evildoers it is disaster.

ASV: It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

BSB: Justice executed is a joy to the righteous,but a terror to the workers of iniquity.

DARBY: It is joy to a righteous [man] to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity.

DRA: It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them that work iniquity.

KJV: It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:16

AMP: A man who wanders from the way of understanding (godly wisdom)Will remain in the assembly of the dead.

ASV: The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead.

BSB: The man who strays from the path of understandingwill rest in the assembly of the dead.

DARBY: The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.

DRA: A man that shall wander out of the way of doctrine, shall abide in the company of the giants.

KJV: The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

Proverbs 21:17

AMP: He who loves [only selfish] pleasure will become a poor man;He who loves and is devoted to wine and [olive] oil will not become rich.

ASV: He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

BSB: He who loves pleasure will become poor;the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.

DARBY: He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

DRA: He that loveth good cheer, shall be in want: he that loveth wine, and fat things, shall not be rich.

KJV: He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

Proverbs 21:18

AMP: The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,And the treacherous in the place of the upright [for they fall into their own traps].

ASV: The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous [cometh] in the stead of the upright.

BSB: The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,and the faithless for the upright.

DARBY: The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright.

DRA: The wicked is delivered up for the just: and the unjust for the righteous.

KJV: The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

Proverbs 21:19

AMP: It is better to dwell in a desert landThan with a contentious and troublesome woman.

ASV: It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.

BSB: Better to live in the desertthan with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.

DARBY: It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.

DRA: It is better to dwell in a wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and passionate woman.

KJV: It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 21:20

AMP: There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future],But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.

ASV: There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.

BSB: Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise,but a foolish man consumes them.

DARBY: There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.

DRA: There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it.

KJV: There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Proverbs 21:21

AMP: He who earnestly seeks righteousness and loyaltyFinds life, righteousness, and honor. [Prov 15:9; Matt 5:6]

ASV: He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.

BSB: He who pursues righteousness and loving devotionfinds life, righteousness, and honor.

DARBY: He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

DRA: He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice, and glory.

KJV: He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

Proverbs 21:22

AMP: A wise man scales the city [walls] of the mightyAnd brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

ASV: A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

BSB: A wise man scales the city of the mightyand pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

DARBY: A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

DRA: The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath cast down the strength of the confidence thereof.

KJV: A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

Proverbs 21:23

AMP: He who guards his mouth and his tongueGuards himself from troubles. [Prov 12:13; 13:3; 18:21; James 3:2]

ASV: Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

BSB: He who guards his mouth and tonguekeeps his soul from distress.

DARBY: Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

DRA: He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress.

KJV: Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:24

AMP: “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his namesWho acts with overbearing and insolent pride.

ASV: The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.

BSB: Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man —of him who acts with excessive pride.

DARBY: Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.

DRA: The proud and the arrogant is called ignorant, who in anger worketh pride.

KJV: Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 21:25

AMP: The desire of the lazy kills him,For his hands refuse to labor;

ASV: The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.

BSB: The craving of the slacker kills himbecause his hands refuse to work.

DARBY: The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work:

DRA: Desires kill the slothful: for his hands have refused to work at all.

KJV: The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

Proverbs 21:26

AMP: He craves all the day long [and does no work],But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has]. [2 Cor 9:6-10]

ASV: There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.

BSB: All day long he covets more,but the righteous give without restraint.

DARBY: He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

DRA: He longeth and desireth all the day : but he that is just, will give, and will not cease.

KJV: He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

Proverbs 21:27

AMP: The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable and offensive [to the Lord].How much more [unacceptable and insulting can it be] when he brings it with evil intention?

ASV: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!

BSB: The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!

DARBY: The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose!

DRA: The sacrifices of the wicked are abominable, because they are offered of wickedness.

KJV: The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Proverbs 21:28

AMP: A false witness will perish,But a man who listens to the truth will speak forever and go unchallenged.

ASV: A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.

BSB: A lying witness will perish,but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.

DARBY: A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.

DRA: A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak of victory.

KJV: A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

Proverbs 21:29

AMP: A wicked man puts on a bold face,But as for the upright, he considers, directs, and establishes his way [with the confidence of integrity].

ASV: A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.

BSB: A wicked man hardens his face,but the upright man makes his way sure.

DARBY: A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.

DRA: The wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but he that is righteous, correcteth his way.

KJV: A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

Proverbs 21:30

AMP: There is no [human] wisdom or understandingOr counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.

ASV: There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

BSB: There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counselthat can prevail against the LORD.

DARBY: There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah.

DRA: There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord.

KJV: There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31

AMP: The horse is prepared for the day of battle,But deliverance and victory belong to the Lord.

ASV: The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.

BSB: A horse is prepared for the day of battle,but victory is of the LORD.

DARBY: The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.

DRA: The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but the Lord giveth safety.

KJV: The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Proverbs 21

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