Proverbs 21:1-4
Proverbs 21:1-4 The Message (MSG)
Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by GOD; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. We justify our actions by appearances; GOD examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance. Arrogance and pride—distinguishing marks in the wicked— are just plain sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 King James Version (KJV)
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: But the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 New Century Version (NCV)
The LORD can control a king’s mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases. You may believe you are doing right, but the LORD judges your reasons. Doing what is right and fair is more important to the LORD than sacrifices. Proud looks, proud thoughts, and evil actions are sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 American Standard Version (ASV)
The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. A high look, and a proud heart, Even the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it whichever way He wishes. Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God].
Proverbs 21:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases. People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 The Passion Translation (TPT)
It’s as easy for God to steer a king’s heart for his purposes as it is for him to direct the course of a stream. We may think we’re right all the time, but God thoroughly examines our motives. It pleases God more when we demonstrate godliness and justice than when we merely offer him a sacrifice. Arrogance, superiority, and pride are the fruits of sin.
Proverbs 21:1-4 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
