Proverbs 21:1-7

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 motives.

21:3 To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable to the Lord than 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.