[1] The plans of the mind belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is
from the LORD. [2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the
LORD weighs the spirit. [3] Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans
will be established. [4] The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even
the wicked for the day of trouble. [5] Every one who is arrogant is an
abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. [6] By
loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the
LORD a man avoids evil. [7] When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes
even his enemies to be at peace with him. [8] Better is a little with
righteousness than great revenues with injustice. [9] A man's mind plans
his way, but the LORD directs his steps. [10] Inspired decisions are on the
lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. [11] A just balance and
scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work. [12] It is
an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by
righteousness. [13] Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves
him who speaks what is right. [14] A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
and a wise man will appease it. [15] In the light of a king's face there is
life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. [16] To
get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather
than silver. [17] The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who
guards his way preserves his life. [18] Pride goes before destruction, and
a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] It is better to be of a lowly spirit
with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. [20] He who gives
heed to the word will prosper, and happy is he who trusts in the LORD. [21]
The wise of heart is called a man of discernment, and pleasant speech
increases persuasiveness. [22] Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has
it, but folly is the chastisement of fools. [23] The mind of the wise makes
his speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to his lips. [24] Pleasant
words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
[25] There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to
death. [26] A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. [27]
A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. [28] A
perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. [29]
A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not
good. [30] He who winks his eyes plans perverse things, he who compresses
his lips brings evil to pass. [31] A hoary head is a crown of glory; it is
gained in a righteous life. [32] He who is slow to anger is better than the
mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. [33] The lot
is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the LORD.
