---
title: Joseph Smith Translation (1867 edition)
description: Proverbs from the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), 1867 edition.
authors:
  - Smith, Joseph, Jr.
collections:
  - joseph-smith
tags:
  - translation
published: "1867"
publisher: RLDS Publication Board
publisher_place: Plano, Illinois
publisher_note: "The title page reads: Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Joseph Smith, I. L. Rogers, E. Robinson, Publishing Committee; 1867."
edition: First edition (Plano, 1867)
language: en
type: book
chapter: 21
verse_count: 31
reference: "Joseph Smith Jr., *Joseph Smith Translation*, first edition (Plano, IL: RLDS Publication Board, 1867), Proverbs, chap. 21, https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft."
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  identifier: holyscripturestr00smituoft
  scan: University of Toronto / Trinity College Library copy, Internet Archive
  transcription: "OCR text of the 1867 scans (Toronto copy and a second copy, holyscriptures00smit), reconciled word by word; Romans was also checked against the page images. Method, per-chapter validation log and known limits: docs/jst-1867-import.md."
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: 1867 US publication
  source: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  publication_year: 1867
---

# Proverbs 21

**1** The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water; he turneth it whithersoever he will.
**2** Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
**3** To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
**4** A high look, and a proud heart, and the ploughing of the wicked, is sin.
**5** The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
**6** The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
**7** The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
**8** The way of man is froward and strange; but as for the pure, his work is right.
**9** It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
**10** The soul of the wicked desireth evil; his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
**11** When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
**12** The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked; but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
**13** Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
**14** A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a reward in the bosom, strong wrath.
**15** It is joy to the just to do judgment; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
**16** The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
**17** He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
**18** The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
**19** It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
**20** There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
**21** He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
**22** A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
**23** Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles.
**24** Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
**25** The desire of the slothful killeth him: for his hands refuse to labour.
**26** He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
**27** The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination; how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
**28** A false witness shall perish; but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
**29** A wicked man hardeneth his face; but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
**30** There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
**31** The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord.