1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; like a stream of water, He turns it wherever He pleases. 2Every way of a man seems right in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the hearts. 3The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifice. 4A haughty look, and a proud heart, and evil actions of the wicked, are sin. 5The plans of the diligent tend to prosperity; but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. 6Gains made by lying are a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 7Violence by the wicked shall destroy them, because they refuse to act justly. 8The way of evil man is devious and strange; but that of the innocent is right. 9It is better to dwell in a corner of the attic, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10The wicked desires evil; his neighbor gets no mercy from him. 11When the scoffer is punished, the simple gain wisdom by example; and when the wise is instructed, he becomes all the wiser. 12The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked; and He brings it to ruin for their wickedness. 13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also be ignored in their own time of need. 14A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe under the table pacifies wrath. 15Justice is joy to the godly; but it frightens evildoers. 16Whoever wanders from the path of common sense shall end up in the company of the dead. 17Whoever loves pleasure shall become poor; whoever loves wine and luxury shall never be rich. 18The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the traitors in place of the honest. 19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20The wise save their treasure; but a foolish man squanders his. 21He who pursues righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and pulls down the fortifications that they had placed their confidence in. 23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself from trouble. 24The proud and arrogant – “scoffer” is his name, he acts with insolence and anger. 25The craving of the slothful will be the death of him; because he refuses to work. 26All day long he covets greedily; but the godly give generously. 27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination; how much more, when he brings it with evil intent! 28A false witness shall perish, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak. 29A wicked man hardens his face (puts up a bold front); but the upright thinks before he acts or speaks. 30There is no wisdom, insight, nor counsel that will succeed against the LORD. 31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but true safety and victory is of the LORD.