1The preparations of the heart in man , and the answer of the tongue , is from the LORD . 2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes ; but the LORD weigheth the spirits . 3Commit thy works unto the LORD , and thy thoughts shall be established . 4The LORD hath made all things for himself : yea, even the wicked for the day of evil . 5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD : though hand join in hand , he shall not be unpunished . 6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged : and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil . 7When a man’s ways please the LORD , he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right . 9A man’s heart deviseth his way : but the LORD directeth his steps .
The Importance of Righteousness
10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king : his mouth transgresseth not in judgment . 11A just weight and balance are the LORD’s : all the weights of the bag are his work . 12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness : for the throne is established by righteousness . 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings ; and they love him that speaketh right . 14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death : but a wise man will pacify it. 15In the light of the king’s countenance is life ; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain .
The Value of Wisdom and Understanding
16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold ! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver ! 17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil : he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul . 18Pride goeth before destruction , and an haughty spirit before a fall . 19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly , than to divide the spoil with the proud . 20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good : and whoso trusteth in the LORD , happy is he. 21The wise in heart shall be called prudent : and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning . 22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly . 23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth , and addeth learning to his lips . 24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb , sweet to the soul , and health to the bones .
The Consequences of Pride and Arrogance
25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death . 26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. 27An ungodly man diggeth up evil : and in his lips there is as a burning fire . 28A froward man soweth strife : and a whisperer separateth chief friends . 29A violent man enticeth his neighbour , and leadeth him into the way that is not good . 30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things : moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass . 31The hoary head is a crown of glory , if it be found in the way of righteousness . 32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city . 33The lot is cast into the lap ; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD .