1LIKE streams of water, so is the king's heart in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but the LORD sets the heart in order.

3He who does righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than he who offers a sacrifice.

4Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and the posterity of the wicked are sinful.

5The thoughts of the elect tend surely to plenteousness; but those of evil men cause want.

6The getting of treasure by a lying tongue will bring destruction and death to those who seek it.

7The destruction of the wicked shall come upon them because they refused to do justice.

8He who perverts his own way acts strangely; but he who is pure, his works are right.

9It is better to dwell alone in a corner of the housetop than to live with a quarrelsome woman in a large house.

10The soul of a wicked man is hidden from his neighbor's eyes.

11When a wicked man suffers harm, even the simple become wise; but a wise man receives knowledge through his own counsel.

12The righteous man wisely understands the hearts of the wicked; and he overthrows the wicked into mischief.

13He who closes his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry to God, but he shall not answer him.

14A gift in secret pacifies anger; but he who is sparing with his gifts stirs wrath.

15It is joy to the righteous to do justice, but destruction to the workers of iniquity.

16The man who wanders from the way of understanding shall lie in the congregation of the dead.

17He who lacks wealth and yet loves entertainment, wine, and pleasure shall not be rich.

18The wicked shall be given as a ransom for the righteous, and the deceitful for the upright.

19It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a quarrelsome and an angry wife.

20A coveted treasure and ointment are in a dwelling place; but the wisdom and understanding of men shall dispense it.

21He who seeks after righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22A wise man scales the defenses of the city of mighty men and conquers the stronghold in which they trusted.

23He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.

24In his wrath a hasty and proud man commits iniquity.

25The desire of the sluggard kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.

26He covets greedily all the day long; but the righteous man gives and does not spare.

27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; because they bring it in an unjust way.

28A false witness shall perish; but an obedient man speaks truth.

29The face of a wicked man is shameless; but he who is upright amends his ways.

30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel like that of the LORD.

31The horse may be prepared for the day of battle; but salvation is of the LORD.