1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD , as the rivers of water : he turneth it whithersoever he will . 2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes : but the LORD pondereth the hearts . 3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice .
The Value of Righteousness
4An high look , and a proud heart , and the plowing of the wicked , is sin . 5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness ; but of every one that is hasty only to want . 6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death . 7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment .
The Consequences of Actions
8The way of man is froward and strange : but as for the pure , his work is right . 9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop , than with a brawling woman in a wide house . 10The soul of the wicked desireth evil : his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes . 11When the scorner is punished , the simple is made wise : and when the wise is instructed , he receiveth knowledge . 12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked : but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness .
Wisdom and Understanding
13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor , he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard . 14A gift in secret pacifieth anger : and a reward in the bosom strong wrath . 15It is joy to the just to do judgment : but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity . 16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation 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 shall be a ransom for the righteous , and the transgressor for the upright . 19It is better to dwell in the wilderness , than with a contentious and an angry woman . 20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise ; but a foolish man spendeth it up . 21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life , righteousness , and honour .
The Certainty of Judgment
22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty , and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles . 24Proud and haughty scorner is his name , who dealeth in proud wrath . 25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour . 26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination : how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind ? 28A false witness shall perish : but the man that heareth speaketh constantly . 29A wicked man hardeneth his face : but as for the upright , he directeth his way . 30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD . 31The horse is prepared against the day of battle : but safety is of the LORD .