1 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. d
2 All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the LORD weighs motives. D,e
3 Commit your activities to the LORD,
and your plans will be established. f
4 The LORD has prepared everything for his purpose—
even the wicked for the day of disaster. g
5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD; h
be assured, E he will not go unpunished. i
6 Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, j
and one turns from evil by the fear of the LORD. k
7 When a person’s ways please the LORD,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. l
8 Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice. m
9 A person’s heart plans his way,
but the LORD determines his steps. n
10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; F,o
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment. p
11 Honest balances and scales are the LORD’S;
all the weights in the bag are his concern. q
12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, r
since a throne is established through righteousness. s
13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.
14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise person appeases it. t
15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.
16 Get wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding—
it is preferable to silver. u
17 The highway of the upright v avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life. w
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall. x
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble G,y
than to divide plunder with the proud. z
20 The one who understands a matter finds success, a
and the one who trusts in the LORD will be happy. b
21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech H increases learning. c
22 Insight is a fountain of life d for its possessor,
but the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;
it adds learning to his speech. I,e
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: f
sweet to the taste J and health to the body. K,g
25 There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death. h
26 A worker’s appetite works for him
because his hunger L urges him on.
27 A worthless person digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire. i
28 A contrary person spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends. j
29 A violent person lures his neighbor, k
leading him on a path that is not good. l
30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil. m
31 Gray hair is a glorious crown; n
it is found in the ways of righteousness. o
32 Patience is better than power,
and controlling one’s emotions, M than capturing a city. p
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD. q