1The sovereign’s heart is as channels of water In the hand of יהוה; He turns it wherever He wishes.

2All a man’s ways are right in his own eyes, But יהוה weighs the hearts.

3To do righteousness and right-ruling Is more acceptable to יהוה than a slaughtering.

4A haughty look, a proud heart, The lamp of the wrong, are sin.

5The plans of the hard worker lead only to plenty, But all rash haste only to poverty.

6Gaining treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapour, heading for death.

7The spoil of the wrong catches them, Because they refused to do right- ruling.

8The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the innocent, his work is right.

9It is better to dwell in a corner of a roof, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

10The desire of the wrong is set upon evil; His neighbour finds no favour in his eyes.

11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12The Righteous One observes the house of the wrong; He overthrows the wrong for their evil.

13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, Let him also cry and not be heard.

14A gift in secret subdues displeasure, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

15To do right-ruling is joy to the righteous, But ruin to the workers of wickedness.

16A man who strays from the way of understanding, Rests in the assembly of the dead.

17He who loves pleasure is a poor man; He who loves wine and oil does not become rich.

18The wrong is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous for the straight.

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and vexed woman.

20Desirable treasure and oil, Are in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.

21He who pursues righteousness and kindness Finds life, righteousness and esteem.

22A wise one scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.

23Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Guards his life from distresses.

24Proud, haughty, “Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.

25The desire of the lazy man slays him, For his hands refused to work.

26He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not withhold.

27The slaughtering of the wrong is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wickedness!

28A false witness perishes, But the man who obeys speaks forever.

29A wrong man hardens his face, But as for the straight, he establishes his way.

30There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against יהוה.

31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the deliverance is of יהוה.