211 In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

Other Translations of Proverbs 21:1

King James Version

211 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

English Standard Version

211 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

The Message

211 Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.

New King James Version

211 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

New Living Translation

211 The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord ; he guides it wherever he pleases.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 21:1

Commentary on Proverbs 21:1

(Read Proverbs 21:1)

The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love.