1The kings heart is in the hand of Jehovah; like rivers of water, He turns it wherever He pleases. 2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Jehovah ponders the hearts. 3With Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice is to be chosen over sacrifice. 4A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin. 5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; but the thoughts of everyone who is hasty only to poverty. 6The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity driven about by those who seek death. 7The violence of the wicked shall destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. 8The way of a guilty man is perverted; but as for the pure, his work is right. 9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12The righteous wisely considers the house of the wicked, subverting the wicked for their evil. 13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. 15It is joy to the just to do justice, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 16The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the spirits of the dead. 17He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright. 19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. 20There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man squanders it. 21He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the strength of its refuge. 23Whoever watches his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24Proud, haughty scorner is his name, who acts with arrogant pride. 25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands have refused to work. 26He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and spares not. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent! 28A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears speaks enduringly. 29A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright establishes his way. 30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Jehovah. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is from Jehovah.