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Proverbs 21:2

Proverbs 21:1 cpdv — Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whi…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills. "

— Proverbs 21:1, Catholic Public Domain Version

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Proverbs 21:1 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 21 — Context

1

Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills.

2

Every way of a man seems right to himself. But the Lord weighs hearts.

3

To do mercy and judgment is more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifices.

4

To lift up the eyes is to enlarge the heart. The lamp of the impious is sin.

Proverbs 21:1 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 21:1 say?
Proverbs 21:1 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills. ”
Where is Proverbs 21:1 in the Bible?
Proverbs 21:1 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 21, verse 1.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 21:1.
What translation should I read Proverbs 21:1 in?
Proverbs 21:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 21:1?
Proverbs 21:1 reads (CPDV): “Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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