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Proverbs 21 (CEV)

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¹ The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers. ² We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts. ³ Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering. ⁴ Evil people are proud and arrogant, but sin is the only crop they produce. ⁵ If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor. ⁶ Cheating to get rich is a foolish dream and no less than suicide. ⁷ You destroy yourself by being cruel and violent and refusing to live right. ⁸ All crooks are liars, but anyone who is innocent will do right. ⁹ It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife. ¹⁰ Evil people want to do wrong, even to their friends. ¹¹ An ignorant fool learns by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being instructed. ¹² God is always fair! He knows what the wicked do and will punish them. ¹³ If you won't help the poor, don't expect to be heard when you cry out for help. ¹⁴ A secret bribe will save you from someone's fierce anger. ¹⁵ When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified. ¹⁶ If you stop using good sense, you will find yourself in the grave. ¹⁷ Heavy drinkers and others who live only for pleasure will lose all they have. ¹⁸ God's people will escape, but all who are wicked will pay the price. ¹⁹ It's better out in the desert than at home with a nagging, complaining wife. ²⁰ Be sensible and store up precious treasures-- don't waste them like a fool. ²¹ If you try to be kind and good, you will be blessed with life and goodness and honor. ²² One wise person can defeat a city full of soldiers and capture their fortress. ²³ Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble. ²⁴ If you are proud and conceited, everyone will say, "You're a snob!" ²⁵ If you want too much and are too lazy to work, it could be fatal. ²⁶ But people who obey God are always generous. ²⁷ The Lord despises the offerings of wicked people with evil motives. ²⁸ If you tell lies in court, you are done for; only a reliable witness can do the job. ²⁹ Wicked people bluff their way, but God's people think before they take a step. ³⁰ No matter how much you know or what plans you make, you can't defeat the LORD. ³¹ Even if your army has horses ready for battle, the LORD will always win.