1 T he king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

2 E very way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.

3 T o do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.

5 T he plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

6 G etting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

7 T he violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.

8 T he way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right.

9 B etter to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

10 T he soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11 W hen the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 T he righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

13 W hoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

15 I t is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 H e who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 T he wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.

19 B etter to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

20 T here is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.

21 H e who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.

23 W hoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

24 A proud and haughty man — “Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.

25 T he desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.

26 H e covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.

27 T he sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.

29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.

30 T here is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord.

31 T he horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.