Proverbs 21:1-3
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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. [Ex 10:1, 2; Ezra 6:22] 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]
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 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.
Proverbs 21:1-3 English Standard Version Revision 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.
