Proverbs 21:3

Two men, called Cain and Abel, gave gifts to God. God did not accept Cain’s gift, so Cain was angry. God warned Cain, ‘Do the things that are right! Then I (God) will accept you. But if you do wrong things, then your evil attitudes will control you.’

Cain did not obey God’s advice. Instead, Cain killed Abel (Genesis 4:3-8).

See also Psalms 51:16-17.

v4 Evil men are proud.

They are proud when they think about themselves.

And they are proud when they think about other people.

The actions of evil men are always wicked.

v5 When a person plans carefully, he will make a profit.

When a person acts too quickly, he will become poor.

v6 A person who lies might make money.

However, his wealth will disappear, like steam. His lies will cause his death.

v7 The cruelty of wicked men will destroy them.

They refuse to do the right things.

v8 A guilty man is like a traveller who chooses the wrong way.

An innocent man is like a traveller who chooses the right way.

v9 One man lives in a corner of the roof.

But this home is better than a big house, if his wife always argues.

v10 A wicked man wants to do evil things.

He is never kind to his neighbour.

v11 Someone who insults other people should receive punishment. Then, simple people will learn to be wise.

When you teach a wise man, he will gain knowledge.

v12 God, who is good, notices the actions of a wicked man.

God, who is good, will ruin the wicked man.