21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of water; he turns it wherever he wants.

21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motivations.

21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

• Refer to Justice Revenge
• Refer to Not Sacrifice

21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart — the agricultural product of the wicked is sin.

21:5 The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death.

21:7 The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is right.

21:8 The way of the guilty person is devious, but as for the pure, his way is upright.

21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.

• Refer to Notable Women

21:10 The appetite of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor is shown no favor in his eyes.

21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

21:13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and will not be answered.

• Refer to Communal Societal Obligations
• Refer to Poor or Rich

21:14 A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath.

21:15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who do evil.