Proverbs 21 (KJV)

31 verses · King James Version · Formal equivalence (word-for-word)

The King James Version is the most influential English Bible translation in history. Commissioned by King James I and completed in 1611, it shaped the English language itself. Its majestic prose and formal accuracy make it beloved for memorization and liturgical use.

Proverbs Chapter 21 contains 31 verses and is presented here in the King James Version (KJV), which uses a formal equivalence (word-for-word) approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

NIVESVNLTMSGNASB
Chapter 20Chapter 22

1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

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

4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. <sup>An: Heb. Haughtiness of eyes</sup> <sup>the plowing: or, the light</sup>

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

6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. <sup>destroy: Heb. saw them, or, dwell with them</sup>

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 with a brawling woman in a wide house. <sup>a brawling: Heb. a woman of contentions</sup> <sup>a wide: Heb. an house of society</sup>

10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. <sup>findeth: Heb. is not favoured</sup>

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

12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

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

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. <sup>pleasure: or, sport</sup>

18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness , than with a contentious and an angry woman. <sup>in: Heb. in the land of the desert</sup>

20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

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

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

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

24Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. <sup>in proud: Heb. in the wrath of pride</sup>

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

26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? <sup>with: Heb. in wickedness?</sup>

28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. <sup>A: Heb. A witness of lies</sup>

29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. <sup>directeth: or, considereth</sup>

30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. <sup>safety: or, victory</sup>

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About This Translation

What is Proverbs 21 in the KJV?

Proverbs 21 in the King James Version (KJV) contains 31 verses. The KJV uses a formal equivalence (word-for-word) approach, first published in 1611.

How does the KJV translate Proverbs 21 differently?

The King James Version uses formal equivalence (word-for-word), preserving the classic English of 1611. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 21 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 21 (KJV)?

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

Proverbs (KJV) — All 31 Chapters