1 T he heart of the king is like rivers of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it where He wishes.

The king's heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.

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

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

3 T o do what is right and good and fair is more pleasing to the Lord than gifts given on the altar in worship.

To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

4 E yes lifted high and a proud heart is sin and is the lamp of the sinful.

A high look, and a proud heart, Even the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

5 T he plans of those who do their best lead only to having all they need, but all who are in a hurry come only to want.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.

6 G etting riches by a lying tongue is like a passing cloud, and leads to death.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.

7 T he way the sinful hurt others will draw them away, because they will not do what is right and fair.

The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.

8 T he way of a guilty man is sinful, but the actions of the pure man are right.

The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.

9 I t is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with an arguing woman.

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.

10 T he soul of the sinful has a desire for what is bad. His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.

11 W hen the man who laughs at the truth is punished, the fool becomes wise. When a wise man is taught, he gets much learning.

When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12 T he One Who is right and good thinks about the house of the sinful, and the sinful are thrown down to be destroyed.

The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin.

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

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret quiets anger. A gift from the heart quiets strong anger.

A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.

15 W hen what is right and fair is done, it is a joy for those who are right with God. But it fills the sinful with fear.

It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

16 A man who goes away from the way of understanding will rest in the gathering of the dead.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 H e who loves only fun will become a poor man. He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18 T he sinful man is the price given for the man who is right with God, the man who is not faithful for the faithful man.

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous cometh in the stead of the upright.

19 I t is better to live in a desert land than with a woman who argues and causes trouble.

It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.

20 T here are riches and oil of great worth in the house of the wise, but a foolish man swallows them up.

There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up.

21 H e who follows what is right and loving and kind finds life, right-standing with God and honor.

He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise man goes over the city walls of the powerful, and brings down the strong-place in which they trust.

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

23 H e who watches over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

24 “ Proud,” “Self-important” and “One who laughs at the truth” are the names of the man who acts without respect and is proud.

The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.

25 T he desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands will not work.

The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor.

26 H e is filled with desire all day long, but the man who is right with God gives all he can.

There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.

27 T he gift given on an altar in worship by the sinful is a hated thing. How much more when he brings it for the wrong reason!

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!

28 A person who tells a lie about someone else will be lost, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure.

29 A sinful man’s face shows he is pretending, but a good man is sure of himself.

A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.

30 T here is no wisdom and no understanding and no words that can stand against the Lord.

There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

31 T he horse is made ready for war, but winning the fight belongs to the Lord.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.