The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 21

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 21 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “The king's heart is in the hand of HaShem, as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” — the complete text of all 31 verses is below, free to read online.

1The king's heart is in the hand of HaShem, as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but HaShem weigheth the hearts.

3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to HaShem than sacrifice.

4A haughty look, and a proud heart--the tillage of the wicked is sin.

5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vapour driven to and fro; they that seek them seek death.

7The violence of the wicked shall drag them away; because they refuse to do justly.

8The way of man is froward and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.

9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than in a house in common with a contentious woman.

10The soul of the wicked desireth evil; his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

11When the scorner is punished, the thoughtless is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12The Righteous One considereth the house of the wicked; overthrowing the wicked to their ruin.

13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be answered.

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a present in the bosom strong wrath.

15To do justly is joy to the righteous, but ruin to the workers of iniquity.

16The man that strayeth out of the way of understanding shall rest in the congregation of the shades.

17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; and the faithless cometh in the stead of the upright.

19It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.

20There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.

21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, prosperity, and honour.

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and bringeth down the stronghold wherein it trusteth.

23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24A proud and haughty man, scorner is his name, even he that dealeth in overbearing pride.

25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

26There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more, when he bringeth it with the proceeds of wickedness?

28A false witness shall perish; but the man that obeyeth shall speak unchallenged.

29A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he looketh well to his way.

30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against HaShem.

31The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but victory is of HaShem.

31 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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