1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. |
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. |
3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. |
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. |
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. |
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. |
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice. |
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. |
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. |
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. |
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. |
12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. |
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. |
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. |
15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. |
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly 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 unfaithful for the upright. |
19 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 righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor. |
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. |
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. |
24 A proud and haughty man--"Scoffer" is his name; He acts with arrogant pride. |
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. |
26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare. |
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 him will speak endlessly. |
29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way. |
30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD. |
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD. |