The King's Heart is in the Lord's Hand

(Psalm 21:1-13)

1The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is [as] brooks of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

3To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

4Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

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 fleeting breath of them that seek death.

7The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

8Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.

9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

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

12One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin.

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

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.

15It is joy to a righteous [man] to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity.

16The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.

17He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright.

19It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.

20There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth 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, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.

25The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work:

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 they bring it with a wicked purpose!

28A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.

29A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.

30There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah.

31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.