1 The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah; like rivers of water, He turns it wherever He pleases.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Jehovah ponders the hearts.

3 With Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice is to be chosen over sacrifice.

4 A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; but the thoughts of everyone who is hasty only to poverty.

6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity driven about by those who seek death.

7 The violence of the wicked shall destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.

8 The way of a guilty man is perverted; but as for the pure, his work is right.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 The righteous wisely considers the house of the wicked, subverting the wicked for their evil.

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

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

15 It is joy to the just to do justice, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the spirits of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.

20 There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man squanders it.

21 He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

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

23 Whoever watches his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

24 Proud, haughty scorner is his name, who acts with arrogant pride.

25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands have refused to work.

26 He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and spares not.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

28 A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears speaks enduringly.

29 A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright establishes his way.

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Jehovah.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is from Jehovah.