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

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

3 T o do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.

4 H aughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

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

6 T he acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.

7 T he violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice.

8 T he way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

9 I t is better to live in a corner of a roof 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 naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 T he righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.

13 H e who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.

14 A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

15 T he exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror 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 become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

18 T he wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.

19 I t is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

20 T here is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.

21 H e who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 H e who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

24 “ Proud,” “Haughty,” “ Scoffer,” are his names, Who acts with insolent pride.

25 T he desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;

26 A ll day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.

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

28 A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

29 A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

30 T here is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord.

31 T he horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.