1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like rivers of water. He turns it wherever he wants.
2Every way of a man seems right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
3To do what is just and right pleases the LORD more than sacrifice.
4A proud look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, are sin.
5The plans of the hard worker lead only to plenty, but everyone who is in a hurry comes only to need.
6Getting treasure by a lying tongue is an empty thing, blown here and there by those who seek death.
7The robbery of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do what is just.
8The way of a man is crooked and strange, but as for the pure, his work is right.
9It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than with a quarrelling woman in a wide house.
10The soul of the wicked desires evil. His neighbour finds no kindness in his eyes.
11When the mocker is punished, the simple person is made wise. When the wise person is taught, he gains knowledge.
12The righteous man wisely watches the house of the wicked, but God throws down the wicked for their wickedness.
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard.
14A gift given in secret calms anger, and a present slipped into the lap calms strong rage.
15It is joy to the just to do what is right, but there will be destruction for those who do evil.
16The man who wanders away from the way of understanding will rest among the dead.
17Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man. Whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18The wicked will be a ransom for the righteous, and the lawbreaker for the upright.
19It is better to live in the wilderness than with a quarrelling and angry woman.
20In the home of the wise there is treasure worth having, and oil, but a foolish man spends it all.
21Whoever follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour.
22A wise man climbs into the city of the strong, and pulls down the fortress they trusted in.
23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24Proud and haughty mocker is his name, the one who acts with proud rage.
25The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to work.
26All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is disgusting. How much more when he brings it with an evil purpose?
28A false witness will perish, but the man who listens will speak and go on speaking.
29A wicked man puts on a hard face, but as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
30There is no wisdom, no understanding, and no plan that can stand against the LORD.
31The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but safety comes from the LORD.