1Like brooks of water is a king's heart in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever it pleaseth him doth he turn it.

2Every way of a man is straight in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the hearts.

3To exercise righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4Haughtiness of the eyes, and an immoderate heart, are the sinful field of the wicked.

5The plans of the diligent tend only to plenty; but every hasty man is [destined] only to want.

6The getting of treasures by a tongue of falsehood is like the fleeting breath of those that seek death.

7The robbery of the wicked will drag them away; because they refuse to execute justice.

8Perverse is the way of the man that is estranged [from goodness]; but as for the pure, his work is upright.

9It is better to dwell in a corner of a roof, than with a quarrelsome woman in a roomy house.

10The soul of the wicked longeth for evil: his neighbor findeth no grace in his eyes.

11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is taught intelligence, he receiveth knowledge.

12The righteous regardeth attentively the house of the wicked; [but God] overturneth the wicked into unhappiness.

13Whoso stoppeth his ears against the cry of the poor, he also will cry himself, but shall not be answered.

14A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a bribe in the bosom, strong fury.

15It is joy to the righteous to execute justice; but it is a terror to wrong-doers.

16The man that wandereth astray out of the way of intelligence shall rest in the assembly of the departed.

17He that loveth pleasure will be a man of want: he that loveth wine and oil will not become rich.

18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous shall be put in the stead of the upright.

19It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a quarrelsome and vexatious woman.

20There are a desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man will swallow it up.

21He that pursueth righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength in which they trusted.

23Whoso guardeth his mouth and his tongue guardeth his soul against distresses.

24The presumptuous and proud, scorner is his name, dealeth in the wrath of presumption.

25The longing of the slothful will kill him; for his hands refuse to labor.

26All the day he feeleth a great longing; but the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a sinful purpose?

28A lying witness shall perish; but the man that is obedient [to the law] can speak for ever.

29A wicked man showeth impudence in his face; but as for the upright, he will consider well his way.

30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.

31The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but with the Lord is the victory.