Proverbs 21:2-16

Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. [Prov 24:12; Luke 16:15] To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. [1 Sam 15:22; Prov 15:8; Is 1:11; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:7, 8] Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God]. The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty. Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death. The violence of the wicked will [return to them and] drag them away [like fish caught in a net], Because they refuse to act with justice. The way of the guilty is [exceedingly] crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. It is better to live in a corner of the housetop [on the flat roof, exposed to the weather] Than in a house shared with a quarrelsome (contentious) woman. The soul of the wicked desires evil [like an addictive substance]; His neighbor finds no compassion in his eyes. [James 2:16] When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise; But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge. [Prov 19:25] The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked— How the wicked are cast down to ruin. Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor Will cry out himself and not be answered. [Matt 18:30-34; James 2:13] A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe [hidden] in the pocket, strong wrath. When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, the one in right standing with God), But to the evildoers it is disaster. A man who wanders from the way of understanding (godly wisdom) Will remain in the assembly of the dead.