Proverbs 21

1The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;

he guides it wherever he pleases.

2People may be right in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their heart.

3The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just

than when we offer him sacrifices.

4Haughty eyes, a proud heart,

and evil actions are all sin.

5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,

but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

6Wealth created by a lying tongue

is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.*

7The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,

because they refuse to do what is just.

8The guilty walk a crooked path;

the innocent travel a straight road.