[1] The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns
it wherever he will. [2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but
the LORD weighs the heart. [3] To do righteousness and justice is more
acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. [4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin. [5] The plans of the diligent lead surely
to abundance, but every one who is hasty comes only to want. [6] The
getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of
death. [7] The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they
refuse to do what is just. [8] The way of the guilty is crooked, but the
conduct of the pure is right. [9] It is better to live in a corner of the
housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman. [10] The soul of
the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. [11] When
a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is
instructed, he gains knowledge. [12] The righteous observes the house of
the wicked; the wicked are cast down to ruin. [13] He who closes his ear to
the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard. [14] A gift in
secret averts anger; and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. [15] When
justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
[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 is a ransom for the
righteous, and the faithless for the upright. [19] It is better to live in
a desert land than with a contentious and fretful woman. [20] Precious
treasure remains in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
[21] He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.
[22] A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the
stronghold in which they trust. [23] He who keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble. [24] "Scoffer" is the name of the proud,
haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. [25] The desire of the sluggard
kills him for his hands refuse to labor. [26] All day long the wicked
covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. [27] The sacrifice
of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil
intent. [28] A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears
will endure. [29] A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man
considers his ways. [30] No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail
against the LORD. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but
the victory belongs to the LORD.
