Thoughts on the Sovereignty of God

1A king’s heart is a water stream that the LORD controls;

he directs it wherever he pleases.

2Every man’s lifestyle is proper in his own view,

but the LORD weighs the heart.

3To do what is right and just

is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4A proud attitude,a accompanied byb a haughty look, is sin;

they revealc wicked people.

5Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity,

but all who are hasty will surely become poor.

6A fortune gained by deceitd

is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.e

7Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away

because they refuse to do what is just.

8The conductf of a guilty man is perverse,

but the behavior of the pure is upright.

9It’s better to live in a corner on the roof

than to share a house with a contentious woman.

10The soul of the wicked craves evil;

he extends no mercy to his neighbor.

11When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom;

but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12The righteous Godg considers the house of the wicked,

bringing the wicked to ruin.

13Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor

will also cry himself, but he won’t be answered.

14Privately given gifts pacify wrath,

and payments made secretlyh appeasei great anger.

15Administering justice brings joy to the righteous,

but terror to those who practice iniquity.

16Whoever wanders from the path of understanding

will end up where the deadj are gathered.

17Pleasure lovers become poor;

loving wine and oil doesn’t bring riches.

18The wicked are ransom for the righteous,

and the unfaithful for the upright.

19It’s better to live in the wilderness

than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.

20Precious treasures and oil are foundk where the wise live,

but a foolish man devours them.

21Whoever pursues righteousness and gracious love

finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man attacks the city of the mighty,

bringing down the fortress in which they trust.

23Whoever watches his mouth and tongue

keeps himself from trouble.

24The names “Proud,” “Arrogant,” and “Mocker”

fit whoever acts with presumptuous conceit.

25What the lazy person craves will kill him,

because his hands refuse to work.

26All day long he continues to crave,

while the righteous person gives without holding back.

27What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable—

how much more when he offers it with vile motives!

28A false witness will perish,

but whoever listens will testify successfully.l

29The wicked man puts up a bold appearance,

but the upright thinks about what he is doing.m

30No wisdom, insight, or counsel

can prevailn against the LORD.

31The horse may be prepared for the day of battle,

but to the LORD goes the victory.