Proverbs 21 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Proverbs 21 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
ASV The king`s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.
WEB The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.
YLT Rivulets of waters <FI>is<Fi> the heart of a king in the hand of Jehovah, Wherever He pleaseth He inclineth it.
DRB As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will, he shall turn it.
DBY The king's heart in the hand of Jehovah is [as] brooks of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
GNV The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the riuers of waters: he turneth it whithersoeuer it pleaseth him.
LSB The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of Yahweh; He turns it wherever He pleases.
Verse 2
KJV Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
ASV Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
WEB Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts.
YLT Every way of a man <FI>is<Fi> right in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering hearts.
DRB Every way of a man seemeth right to himself: but the Lord weigheth the hearts.
DBY Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
GNV Euery way of a man is right in his owne eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
LSB Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But Yahweh weighs the hearts.
Verse 3
KJV To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
ASV To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
WEB To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
YLT To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of Jehovah rather than sacrifice.
DRB To do mercy and judgment, pleaseth the Lord more than victims.
DBY To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
GNV To doe iustice and iudgement is more acceptable to the Lord then sacrifice.
LSB To do righteousness and justice Is chosen by Yahweh over sacrifice.
Verse 4
KJV An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
ASV A high look, and a proud heart, [Even] the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
WEB A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
YLT Loftiness of eyes, and breadth of heart, Tillage of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> sin.
DRB Haughtiness of the eyes is the enlarging of the heart: the lamp of the wicked is sin.
DBY Lofty eyes, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.
GNV A hautie looke, and a proude heart, which is the light of the wicked, is sinne.
LSB Haughty eyes and a proud heart— The fallow ground of the wicked—are sin.
Verse 5
KJV The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
ASV The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty [hasteth] only to want.
WEB The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.
YLT The purposes of the diligent <FI>are<Fi> only to advantage, And of every hasty one, only to want.
DRB The thoughts of the industrious always bring forth abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.
DBY The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty, only to want.
GNV The thoughtes of the diligent doe surely bring abundance: but whosoeuer is hastie, commeth surely to pouertie.
LSB The thoughts of the diligent lead surely to profit, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
Verse 6
KJV The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
ASV The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.
WEB Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.
YLT The making of treasures by a lying tongue, <FI>Is<Fi> a vanity driven away of those seeking death.
DRB He that gathereth treasures by a lying tongue, is vain and foolish, and shall stumble upon the snares of death.
DBY The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.
GNV The gathering of treasures by a deceitfull tongue is vanitie tossed to and from of them that seeke death.
LSB Working for treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting breath, by those who pursue death.
Verse 7
KJV The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
ASV The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.
WEB The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
YLT The spoil of the wicked catcheth them, Because they have refused to do judgment.
DRB The robberies of the wicked shall be their downfall, because they would not do judgment.
DBY The devastation of the wicked sweepeth them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
GNV The robberie of the wicked shall destroy them: for they haue refused to execute iudgement.
LSB The destruction of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to do justice.
Verse 8
KJV The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
ASV The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.
WEB The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
YLT Froward <FI>is<Fi> the way of a man who is vile, And the pure--upright <FI>is<Fi> his work.
DRB The perverse way of a man is strange: but as for him that is pure, his work is right.
DBY Very crooked is the way of a guilty man; but as for the pure, his work is upright.
GNV The way of some is peruerted and strange: but of the pure man, his worke is right.
LSB The way of a guilty man is perverse, But as for the pure, his work is upright.
Verse 9
KJV It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
ASV It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
WEB It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman.
YLT Better to sit on a corner of the roof, Than <FI>with<Fi> a woman of contentions and a house of company.
DRB It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman, and in a common house.
DBY It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.
GNV It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with a contentious woman in a wide house.
LSB It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
Verse 10
KJV The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
ASV The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
WEB The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
YLT The soul of the wicked hath desired evil, Not gracious in his eyes is his neighbour.
DRB The soul of the wicked desireth evil, he will not have pity on his neighbour.
DBY The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
GNV The soule of the wicked wisheth euill: and his neighbour hath no fauour in his eyes.
LSB The soul of the wicked craves evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
Verse 11
KJV When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
ASV When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
WEB When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
YLT When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.
DRB When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive knowledge.
DBY When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
GNV When the scorner is punished, the foolish is wise: and when one instructeth the wise, he wil receiue knowledge.
LSB When the scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; And when one considers wisdom, he receives knowledge.
Verse 12
KJV The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
ASV The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, [How] the wicked are overthrown to [their] ruin.
WEB The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.
YLT The Righteous One is acting wisely Towards the house of the wicked, He is overthrowing the wicked for wickedness.
DRB The just considereth seriously the house of the wicked, that he may withdraw the wicked from evil.
DBY One that is righteous wisely considereth the house of the wicked: he overthroweth the wicked to [their] ruin.
GNV The righteous teacheth the house of the wicked: but God ouerthroweth the wicked for their euill.
LSB The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.
Verse 13
KJV Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
ASV Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.
WEB Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
YLT Whoso is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also doth cry, and is not answered.
DRB He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, shall also cry himself, and shall not be heard.
DBY Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also himself shall cry, and shall not be heard.
GNV He that stoppeth his eare at the crying of the poore, he shall also cry and not be heard.
LSB He who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor Will himself also call and not be answered.
Verse 14
KJV A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
ASV A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.
WEB A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
YLT A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.
DRB A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom, the greatest wrath.
DBY A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.
GNV A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a gift in the bosome great wrath.
LSB A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
Verse 15
KJV It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
ASV It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
WEB It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
YLT To do justice <FI>is<Fi> joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.
DRB It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them that work iniquity.
DBY It is joy to a righteous [man] to do what is right; but it is ruin for the workers of iniquity.
GNV It is ioye to the iust to doe iudgement: but destruction shalbe to the workers of iniquitie.
LSB To do justice is pleasure for the righteous, But is ruin to the workers of iniquity.
Verse 16
KJV The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
ASV The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
WEB The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.
YLT A man who is wandering from the way of understanding, In an assembly of Rephaim resteth.
DRB A man that shall wander out of the way of doctrine, shall abide in the company of the giants.
DBY The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead.
GNV A man that wandreth out of the way of wisdome, shall remaine in the congregation of the dead.
LSB A man who wanders from the way of insight Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
Verse 17
KJV He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
ASV He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
WEB He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
YLT Whoso <FI>is<Fi> loving mirth <FI>is<Fi> a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.
DRB He that loveth good cheer, shall be in want: he that loveth wine, and fat things, shall not be rich.
DBY He that loveth mirth shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
GNV Hee that loueth pastime, shalbe a poore man: and he that loueth wine and oyle, shall not be riche.
LSB He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
Verse 18
KJV The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
ASV The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous [cometh] in the stead of the upright.
WEB The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous for the upright.
YLT The wicked <FI>is<Fi> an atonement for the righteous, And for the upright the treacherous dealer.
DRB The wicked is delivered up for the just: and the unjust for the righteous.
DBY The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and a treacherous [man] in the stead of the upright.
GNV The wicked shalbe a ransome for the iust, and the transgressour for the righteous.
LSB The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.
Verse 19
KJV It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
ASV It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.
WEB It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.
YLT Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than <FI>with<Fi> a woman of contentions and anger.
DRB It is better to dwell in a wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and passionate woman.
DBY It is better to dwell in a desert land. than with a contentious and irritable woman.
GNV It is better to dwell in the wildernesse, then with a contentious and angry woman.
LSB It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.
Verse 20
KJV There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
ASV There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.
WEB There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up.
YLT A treasure to be desired, and oil, <FI>Is<Fi> in the habitation of the wise, And a foolish man swalloweth it up.
DRB There is a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the just: and the foolish man shall spend it.
DBY There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man]; but a foolish man swalloweth it up.
GNV In the house of the wise is a pleasant treasure and oyle: but a foolish man deuoureth it.
LSB There is desirable treasure and oil in the abode of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.
Verse 21
KJV He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
ASV He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
WEB He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.
YLT Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
DRB He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice, and glory.
DBY He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
GNV He that followeth after righteousnes and mercy, shall finde life, righteousnes, and glory.
LSB He who pursues righteousness and lovingkindness Finds life, righteousness, and glory.
Verse 22
KJV A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
ASV A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
WEB A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.
YLT A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.
DRB The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath cast down the strength of the confidence thereof.
DBY A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
GNV A wise man goeth vp into the citie of the mightie, and casteth downe the strength of the confidence thereof.
LSB A wise man goes up to the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
Verse 23
KJV Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
ASV Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.
WEB Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
YLT Whoso is keeping his mouth and his tongue, Is keeping from adversities his soul.
DRB He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from distress.
DBY Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
GNV He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soule from afflictions.
LSB He who keeps his mouth and his tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.
Verse 24
KJV Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
ASV The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.
WEB The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; he works in the arrogance of pride.
YLT Proud, haughty, scorner <FI>is<Fi> his name, Who is working in the wrath of pride.
DRB The proud and the arrogant is called ignorant, who in anger worketh pride.
DBY Proud, arrogant, scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath.
GNV Proude, hautie and scornefull is his name that worketh in his arrogancie wrath.
LSB “Arrogant,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, Who acts with arrogant fury.
Verse 25
KJV The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
ASV The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.
WEB The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
YLT The desire of the slothful slayeth him, For his hands have refused to work.
DRB Desires kill the slothful: for his hands have refused to work at all.
DBY The desire of the sluggard killeth him; for his hands refuse to work:
GNV The desire of the slouthfull slayeth him: for his hands refuse to worke.
LSB The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;
Verse 26
KJV He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
ASV There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
WEB There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.
YLT All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
DRB He longeth and desireth all the day: but he that is just, will give, and will not cease.
DBY He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
GNV He coueteth euermore greedily, but the righteous giueth and spareth not.
LSB All day long he is insatiably craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Verse 27
KJV The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
ASV The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!
WEB The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
YLT The sacrifice of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> abomination, Much more when in wickedness he bringeth it.
DRB The sacrifices of the wicked are abominable, because they are offered of wickedness.
DBY The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more when they bring it with a wicked purpose!
GNV The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked minde?
LSB The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with a wicked scheme!
Verse 28
KJV A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
ASV A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.
WEB A false witness will perish, and a man who listens speaks to eternity.
YLT A false witness doth perish, And an attentive man for ever speaketh.
DRB A lying witness shall perish: an obedient man shall speak of victory.
DBY A lying witness shall perish; and a man that heareth shall speak constantly.
GNV A false witnes shall perish: but hee that heareth, speaketh continually.
LSB A false witness will perish, But the man who listens will speak forever.
Verse 29
KJV A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
ASV A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.
WEB A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
YLT A wicked man hath hardened by his face, And the upright--he prepareth his way.
DRB The wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but he that is righteous, correcteth his way.
DBY A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he establisheth his way.
GNV A wicked man hardeneth his face: but the iust, he will direct his way.
LSB A wicked man displays a brazen face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.
Verse 30
KJV There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
ASV There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.
WEB There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh.
YLT There is no wisdom, nor understanding, Nor counsel, over-against Jehovah.
DRB There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord.
DBY There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against Jehovah.
GNV There is no wisedome, neither vnderstanding, nor counsell against the Lord.
LSB There is no wisdom, there is no discernment And there is no counsel against Yahweh.
Verse 31
KJV The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
ASV The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.
WEB The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.
YLT A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance <FI>is<Fi> of Jehovah!
DRB The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but the Lord giveth safety.
DBY The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but safety is of Jehovah.
GNV The horse is prepared against the day of battell: but saluation is of the Lord.
LSB The horse is set for the day of battle, But salvation belongs to Yahweh.