Proverbs 21 (ESV)

31 verses · English Standard Version · Essentially literal

The ESV balances word-for-word accuracy with modern English readability. Favored by scholars and pastors for study and preaching, it preserves the structure of the original Hebrew and Greek while using clear, contemporary language.

Proverbs Chapter 21 contains 31 verses and is presented here in the English Standard Version (ESV), which uses a essentially literal approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

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Chapter 20Chapter 22

1The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.

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

4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.

5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

8The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.

9It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

12The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.

13Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

14A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

15When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

16One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright.

19It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

20Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

21Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

23Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

24“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

26All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

28A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

29A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.

30No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.

31The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.

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About This Translation

What is Proverbs 21 in the ESV?

Proverbs 21 in the English Standard Version (ESV) contains 31 verses. The ESV uses a essentially literal approach, first published in 2001 (rev. 2016).

How does the ESV translate Proverbs 21 differently?

The English Standard Version uses essentially literal, balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 21 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 21 (ESV)?

Proverbs Chapter 21 contains 31 verses in the English Standard Version. The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters total.

Proverbs (ESV) — All 31 Chapters