Proverbs 21

1 The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 2 Among the proud there are always contentions: but they that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom. 3 Substance got in haste shall be diminished: but that which by little and little is gathered with the hand, shall increase. 4 Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul: desire when it cometh, is a tree of life. 5 Whosoever speaketh ill of any thing, bindeth himself for the time to come: but he that feareth the commandment, shall dwell in peace. Deceitful souls go astray in sins: the just are merciful, and shew mercy. 6 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, that he may decline from the ruin of death. 7 Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit. 8 The prudent man doth all things with counsel: but he that is a fool, layeth open his folly. 9 The messenger of the wicked shall fall into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 10 Poverty and shame to him that refuseth instruction: but he that yieldeth to reproof shall be glorified. 11 The desire that is accomplished, delighteth the soul: fools hate them that flee from evil things. 12 He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like to them. 13 Evil pursueth sinners: and to the just good shall be repaid. 14 The good man leaveth heirs, sons, and grandsons: and the substance of the sinner is kept for the just. 15 Much food is in the tillage of fathers: but for others it is gathered without judgment. 16 He that spareth the rod, hateth his son: but he that loveth him, correcteth him betimes. 17 The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled. 19 A wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish will pull down with her hands that also which is built. 20 He that walketh in the right way, and feareth God, is despised by him that goeth by an infamous way. 21 In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride: but the lips of the wise preserve them. 22 Where there are no oxen, the crib is empty: but where there is much corn, there the strength of the ox is manifest. 23 A faithful witness will not lie: but a deceitful witness uttereth a lie. 24 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: the learning of the wise is easy. 25 Go against a foolish man, and he knoweth not the lips of prudence. 26 The wisdom of a discreet man is to understand his way: and the imprudence of fools erreth. 27 A fool will laugh at sin, but among the just grace shall abide. 28 The heart that knoweth the bitterness of his own soul, in his joy the stranger shall not intermeddle. 29 The house of the wicked shall be destroyed: but the tabernacles of the just shall flourish. 30 There is a way which seemeth just to a man: but the ends thereof lead to death. 31 Laughter shall be mingled with sorrow, and mourning taketh hold of the ends of joy.