1The [†]plans of the heart belong to man,

But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

2All the ways of a man are pure in his own sight,

But Yahweh weighs the [†]motives.

3[†]Commit your works to Yahweh

And your [†]plans will be established.

4Yahweh has made everything for [†]its own purpose,

Even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh;

Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

6By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,

And by the [†]fear of Yahweh one turns away from evil.

7When a man’s ways are pleasing to Yahweh,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better is a little with righteousness

Than great produce with injustice.

9The heart of man [†]plans his way,

But Yahweh [†]directs his steps.

10A divine decision is in the lips of the king;

His mouth should not [†]err in judgment.

11A just balance and scales belong to Yahweh;

All the [†]weights of the bag are His [†]work.

12It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,

For in righteousness a throne is established.

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings,

And he who speaks uprightly is loved.

14The wrath of a king is like messengers of death,

But a wise man will atone for it.

15In the light of a king’s face is life,

And his favor is like a cloud with the [†]late rain.

16How much better it is to acquire wisdom than fine gold!

And to acquire understanding is to be chosen above silver.

17The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil;

He who guards his way keeps his [†]soul.

18Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

19It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly

Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20He who considers the word will find good,

And how blessed is he who trusts in Yahweh.

21The wise in heart will be called understanding,

And sweetness of [†]lips increases learning.

22Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it,

But the discipline of ignorant fools is [†]folly.

23The heart of the wise gives insight to his mouth

And increases learning to his lips.

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25There is a way which seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

26A worker’s appetite works for him,

For his mouth urges him on.

27A vile man digs up evil,

And the words on his lips are like scorching fire.

28A perverse man spreads strife,

And a whisperer separates close companions.

29A man of violence entices his neighbor

And leads him in a way that is not good.

30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things;

He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.

31Gray hair is a crown of beauty;

It is found in the way of righteousness.

32He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

And he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every judgment is from Yahweh.