Online Bible

Book of Proverbs, Chapter 21

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Proverbs 21 NWT - New World TranslationProverbs 21 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 21 of Proverbs—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ A king’s heart is as streams of water in the hand of Jehovah.1 Everywhere that he delights to, he turns it.2
  2. ¶ Every way of a man is upright in his own eyes,3 but Jehovah is making an estimate of hearts.4
  3. ¶ To carry on righteousness and judgment is more preferable to Jehovah than sacrifice.5
  4. ¶ Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart,6 the lamp of the wicked ones, are sin.[a]7
  5. ¶ The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage,8 but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want.9
  6. ¶ The getting of treasures by a false tongue is an exhalation driven away,10 in the case of those seeking death.11
  7. ¶ The very despoiling by the wicked ones will drag them away,12 for they have refused to do justice.13
  8. ¶ A man, even a stranger, is crooked in [his] way;[b]14 but the pure one is upright in his activity.15
  9. ¶ Better is it to dwell upon a corner of a roof16 than with a contentious wife, although in a house in common.17
  10. ¶ The very soul of the wicked one has craved what is bad;18 his fellow will be shown no favor in his eyes.19
  11. ¶ By the laying of a fine on the ridiculer the inexperienced becomes wise;20 and by one’s giving insight to a wise person he gets knowledge.[c]21
  12. ¶ The Righteous One is giving consideration to the house[d] of the wicked one,22 subverting the wicked ones to [their] calamity.23
  13. ¶ As for anyone stopping up his ear from the complaining cry of the lowly one,24 he himself also will call and not be answered.25
  14. ¶ A gift made in secrecy subdues anger;26 and a bribe in the bosom,27 strong rage.
  15. ¶ It is a rejoicing for the righteous one to do justice,28 but there is something terrible for those practicing what is hurtful.29
  16. ¶ As for a man[e] wandering from the way of insight,30 he will rest in the very congregation of those impotent in death.[f]31
  17. ¶ He that is loving merriment will be an individual in want;32 he that is loving wine and oil will not gain riches.33
  18. ¶ The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one;34 and the one dealing treacherously takes the place of the upright ones.35
  19. ¶ Better is it to dwell in a wilderness land than with a contentious wife along with vexation.36
  20. ¶ Desirable treasure and oil are in the abode of the wise one,37 but the man that is stupid will swallow it up.38
  21. ¶ He that is pursuing righteousness39 and loving-kindness will find life, righteousness and glory.40
  22. ¶ A wise one has scaled even the city of mighty men, that he might bring down the strength of its confidence.41
  23. ¶ He that is keeping his mouth and his tongue is keeping his soul from distresses.42
  24. ¶ Presumptuous, self-assuming braggart is the name of the one who is acting in a fury of presumptuousness.43
  25. ¶ The very craving of the lazy will put him to death, for his hands have refused to work.44
  26. All the day he has shown himself eagerly craving, but the righteous one gives and holds nothing back.45
  27. ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked ones is something detestable.46 How much more so when one brings it along with loose conduct.47
  28. ¶ A lying witness will perish,48 but the man that is listening will speak even forever.49
  29. ¶ A wicked man has put on a bold face,50 but the upright is the one that will firmly establish his ways.51
  30. ¶ There is no wisdom, nor any discernment, nor any counsel in opposition to Jehovah.52
  31. ¶ The horse is something prepared for the day of battle,53 but salvation belongs to Jehovah.54

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Or, “are [more preferable to them than] a sin offering.”
  2. ^ Or, “The way of a man, even a stranger, is crooked”; or, “The way of a man is crooked and strange.”
  3. ^ “And by acting with discretion the wise one gets knowledge,” T.
  4. ^ Or, “is acting discreetly toward the house.”
  5. ^ Or, “earthling man.” Heb., ʼa·dhamʹ.
  6. ^ “Those impotent in death.” Heb., repha·ʼimʹ; TSy, “the sons of earth”; LXXVg, “giants.”

REFERENCES

  1. ^ Ex 14:4; Ezr 7:27; Ps 106:46
  2. ^ Ne 2:8; Is 44:28; Re 17:17
  3. ^ Ps 36:2; Pr 16:2; 30:12
  4. ^ 1Sa 16:7; Pr 24:12; Je 17:10
  5. ^ 1Sa 15:22; Ps 50:14; Ho 6:6; Mc 6:7; Mt 12:7; Mr 12:33
  6. ^ 2Sa 22:28; Ps 10:4; 18:27; 101:5; Pr 6:17; 14:3; Is 2:11; Lu 18:14; 1Pe 5:5
  7. ^ Ge 6:5; Ro 6:12
  8. ^ Pr 13:4; 1Th 4:11
  9. ^ Pr 14:29
  10. ^ Pr 10:2; 20:21
  11. ^ Pr 1:19; Ro 6:23
  12. ^ Ps 7:16; Eze 18:24
  13. ^ Is 1:23; Eze 18:18; Mc 3:11
  14. ^ Ec 8:13; 9:3; Eph 2:2
  15. ^ Ps 37:37; Pr 16:17; Da 12:10; 1Pe 1:22
  16. ^ Pr 25:24
  17. ^ Pr 17:1; 19:13; 27:15
  18. ^ Ge 6:5; Ps 36:4; 1Co 10:6; Ga 6:7; Jm 4:5; 1Jo 2:16
  19. ^ 1Sa 25:8; Jm 2:13
  20. ^ Pr 19:25
  21. ^ Pr 9:9; Ec 7:25
  22. ^ De 16:20; Jb 21:28; Ps 37:10; 91:8; 101:8
  23. ^ Ge 19:29; Ps 37:20; Pr 13:6; 14:32; 2Pe 2:4; 3:6
  24. ^ De 15:9; Pr 19:17; 28:27; Jm 5:4
  25. ^ Ps 18:41; Pr 1:28; La 3:44
  26. ^ Pr 18:16
  27. ^ Pr 17:23
  28. ^ Jb 29:13; Ps 106:3
  29. ^ Pr 10:29; Lu 13:27; Re 22:15
  30. ^ Ps 125:5; Heb 6:4; 2Pe 2:21
  31. ^ Pr 2:19; 9:18; Jm 1:15
  32. ^ Ec 7:4; Lu 15:13; 2Ti 3:4
  33. ^ Pr 23:21
  34. ^ Pr 11:8; Is 43:4
  35. ^ Es 7:10; Pr 13:22
  36. ^ Pr 17:1; 27:15
  37. ^ Ps 112:3; Pr 15:6; Ec 5:19
  38. ^ Lu 15:14
  39. ^ Pr 15:9; Mt 5:6; Heb 12:14
  40. ^ Pr 22:4; Ro 2:7
  41. ^ Ec 7:19; 9:16; 2Co 10:4
  42. ^ Ps 141:3; Pr 10:19; 12:13; 13:3; Ec 10:20
  43. ^ Nu 14:44; Es 6:4; Pr 16:18; Jm 4:16
  44. ^ Pr 6:6; 13:4; 19:24
  45. ^ Ps 37:26; 112:9; Lu 6:30; 2Co 8:9
  46. ^ 1Sa 15:22; Pr 15:8; Is 1:11; Je 6:20
  47. ^ Le 18:17; De 23:18; Jg 20:6; 1Sa 13:12
  48. ^ Ex 23:1; De 19:18; Pr 6:19; 19:5
  49. ^ Pr 12:19; Mt 7:24
  50. ^ Pr 28:14; 29:1; Je 3:3
  51. ^ Pr 11:5; 1Th 3:11
  52. ^ Nu 23:8; Pr 19:21; Ac 5:39; Ro 8:31
  53. ^ Ps 20:7; Is 31:1; Je 46:4; Re 19:11
  54. ^ 2Ch 20:17; Ps 3:8; 33:17; 68:20; Re 7:10

Read Proverbs Chapter 21 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

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