1The king ’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will . 2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes ; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts . 3To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice .
The Value of Righteousness
4A high look , and a proud heart , Even the lamp of the wicked , is sin . 5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness ; But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want . 6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death . 7The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away , Because they refuse to do justice .
The Consequences of Actions
8The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked ; But as for the pure , his work is right . 9It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop , Than with a contentious woman in a wide house . 10The soul of the wicked desireth evil : His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes . 11When the scoffer is punished , the simple is made wise ; And when the wise is instructed , he receiveth knowledge . 12The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked , How the wicked are overthrown to their ruin .
Wisdom and Understanding
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor , He also shall cry , but shall not be heard . 14A gift in secret pacifieth anger ; And a present in the bosom , strong wrath . 15It is joy to the righteous to do justice ; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead .
The Power of Words and Actions
17He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich . 18The wicked is a ransom for the righteous ; And the treacherous cometh in the stead of the upright . 19It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise ; But a foolish man swalloweth it up . 21He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life , righteousness , and honor .
The Certainty of Judgment
22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty , And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof . 23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles . 24The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name ; He worketh in the arrogance of pride . 25The desire of the sluggard killeth him ; For his hands refuse to labor . 26There is that coveteth greedily all the day long ; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not . 27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination ; How much more , when he bringeth it with a wicked mind ! 28A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure. 29A wicked man hardeneth his face ; But as for the upright , he establisheth his ways . 30There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah . 31The horse is prepared against the day of battle ; But victory is of Jehovah .