Les Proverbes

Chapître 21

1

The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth⁵⁵ it whithersoever he will.⁴

2

Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth⁶ the hearts.

3

To do² justice and judgment [is] more acceptable¹² to the LORD than sacrifice.

4

An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

5

The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty⁵ only to want.

6

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro¹² of them that seek¹⁸ death.

7

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy⁴ them; because they refuse¹⁴ to do² judgment.

8

The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.

9

[It is] better to dwell² in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling ⁴⁰⁶⁶ woman in a wide house.

10

The soul of the wicked desireth¹⁴ evil: his neighbour findeth no favour⁹⁰ in his eyes.

11

When the scorner⁵ is punished,² the simple is made wise:⁴ and when the wise is instructed,⁵³ he receiveth⁴ knowledge.

12

The righteous [man] wisely considereth⁵⁶ the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth¹⁸ the wicked for [their] wickedness.

13

Whoso stoppeth⁵ his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry⁴ himself, but shall not be heard.¹¹

14

A gift in secret pacifieth⁴ anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

15

[It is] joy to the just to do² judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers⁶ of iniquity.

16

The man that wandereth⁶ out of the way of understanding⁵³ shall remain⁴ in the congregation of the dead.

17

He that loveth⁶ pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth⁶ wine and oil shall not be rich.⁵⁵

18

The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor⁶ for the upright.

19

[It is] better to dwell² in the wilderness, ⁴⁰⁵⁷ than with a contentious ⁴⁰⁶⁶ and an angry woman.

20

[There is] treasure to be desired¹² and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.¹⁷

21

He that followeth⁶ after righteousness and mercy findeth⁴ life, righteousness, and honour.

22

A wise [man] scaleth¹ the city of the mighty, and casteth down⁵⁵ the strength of the confidence thereof.

23

Whoso keepeth⁶ his mouth and his tongue keepeth⁶ his soul from troubles.

24

 Proud [and] haughty scorner⁵ [is] his name, who dealeth⁶ in proud wrath.

25

The desire of the slothful killeth⁵⁵ him; for his hands refuse¹⁴ to labour.²

26

He coveteth⁹⁸ greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth⁴ and spareth⁴ not.

27

The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth⁵⁵ it with a wicked mind?

28

A false witness shall perish:⁴ but the man that heareth⁶ speaketh¹⁷ constantly.

29

A wicked man hardeneth⁵² his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth^{4 3559 55} his way.

30

[There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

31

The horse [is] prepared⁹⁴ against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.