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 Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.

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 Yahweh weighs 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 Yahweh 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, 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 plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.

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

Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who 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 will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

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

The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

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 to share a house with a contentious woman.

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 desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy 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 mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives 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 One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.

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

Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.

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

A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, 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 who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.

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

He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves 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; the treacherous for 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 swallows it up.

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

He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds 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 scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.

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

Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps 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 works 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 kills 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 are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.

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 brings 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 will perish, and a man who listens speaks to eternity.

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

A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes 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 Yahweh.

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

The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.