.21:1-31.

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God at work in people’s lives (Prov 21:1-31)

As God directs the course along which a stream flows, so he guides the decisions of national rulers according to his plan (Prov 21:1).

God knows people’s motives and he will not accept their sacrifices if their thoughts and actions are wrong (Prov 21:2-4).

Prosperity that comes through diligence is a fitting reward, but prosperity that comes through greed, lying and violence is a deadly trap (Prov 21:5-8).

Some people make life unpleasant for those who live in the same house, and others deliberately do evil wherever they can. They will come to ruin, but the righteous will enjoy blessing (Prov 21:9-12).

Some people live solely for themselves, ignoring the needy and bribing the influential so that they can get whatever they want and live in complete comfort.

One day they will justly suffer for their selfishness and dishonesty (Prov 21:13-17).

By suffering the evil they planned against the innocent, the wicked become the ransom for the innocent (Prov 21:18).

Wise people save for the future. At the same time they realize that the only way to build lasting treasure is to practise righteousness and kindness (Prov 21:19-21).

Wisdom is more important than military might, and control of the tongue is a good defence against trouble (Prov 21:22-23).

Religious acts done with wrong intentions are hateful to God, along with pride, laziness and selfish desires (Prov 21:24-27).

Whether in general speech or in sworn testimony before a court, a person must give a genuine testimony of the truth, not merely put on a bold face to impress others (Prov 21:28-29).

It is useless to fight against God, and just as useless to fight without him (Prov 21:30-31).