1 Like streams of water is a king's heart in the LORD's hand; he directs it wherever he pleases.
2 A man's every way is straight in his own sight, but the LORD weighs hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Lofty eyes and a swollen heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead only to profit, but everyone who rushes ends only in lack.
6 Treasures gained by a lying tongue are a vapor blown away by those who seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked drags them off, for they will not do what is just.
8 The way of a guilty man is twisted, but the work of the pure is straight.
9 Better to live on a corner of the rooftop than in a shared house with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked craves evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his sight.
11 When a scoffer is fined, the simple gains wisdom; when the wise is taught, he takes in knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he hurls the wicked into ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the outcry of the poor will cry out himself and not be answered.
14 A secret gift calms anger, and a bribe tucked in the cloak, fierce wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is joy to the righteous but terror to those who do iniquity.
16 A man who strays from the path of insight will come to rest in the company of the shades.
17 One who loves pleasure will end up poor; one who loves wine and oil will never grow rich.
18 The wicked becomes a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
20 Desirable treasure and oil are in the home of the wise, but a foolish man gulps them down.
21 One who pursues righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise man goes up against the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold they trust in.
23 One who keeps watch over his mouth and tongue keeps his soul out of trouble.
24 The proud, haughty man, "Scoffer" is his name; he acts with overbearing pride.
25 The lazy man's craving will kill him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he is full of craving, but the righteous man gives without holding back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable; how much more when he brings it with a wicked motive!
28 A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens will speak on and on.
29 A wicked man puts on a hard face, but the upright man gives thought to his way.
30 No wisdom, no understanding and no counsel can stand against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.