---
title: "Proverbs 21 — World English Bible | Favorite Scriptures"
description: "Read Proverbs 21 in the World English Bible. Free Bible reading, no account needed. Browse books and chapters, then save favorite passages in your personal library."
last_updated: "2026-10-08"
doc_version: "1"
language: "en"
canonical: "https://favoritescriptures.com/bible/proverbs/21"
---

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World English Bible

# Proverbs 21

[1](#verse-1) The king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.

[2](#verse-2) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.

[3](#verse-3) To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

[4](#verse-4) A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

[5](#verse-5) The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.

[6](#verse-6) Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.

[7](#verse-7) The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

[8](#verse-8) The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

[9](#verse-9) It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

[10](#verse-10) The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

[11](#verse-11) When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

[12](#verse-12) The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.

[13](#verse-13) Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.

[14](#verse-14) A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.

[15](#verse-15) It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

[16](#verse-16) The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.

[17](#verse-17) He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won’t be rich.

[18](#verse-18) The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright.

[19](#verse-19) It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.

[20](#verse-20) There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.

[21](#verse-21) He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.

[22](#verse-22) A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.

[23](#verse-23) Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

[24](#verse-24) The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride.

[25](#verse-25) The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

[26](#verse-26) There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.

[27](#verse-27) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!

[28](#verse-28) A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity.

[29](#verse-29) A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.

[30](#verse-30) There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

[31](#verse-31) The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with the LORD.

[← Proverbs 20](/bible/proverbs/20)[Proverbs 22 →](/bible/proverbs/22)

World English Bible · Public domain

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