1 T he king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.

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

3 T o do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.

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

5 T he plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.

6 G etting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.

7 T he violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

8 T he way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 I t 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 wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

11 W hen the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 T he Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.

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

14 A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.

15 I t is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

16 T he man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.

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

18 T he wicked is a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous for the upright.

19 I t is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful 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 follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.

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

24 T he proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; he works in the arrogance of pride.

25 T he desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

26 T here are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.

27 T he sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!

28 A false witness will perish, and a man who listens speaks to eternity.

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

30 T here is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh.

31 T he horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.