1Plans are made in human hearts,

but from the Lord comes the tongue’s response.*

2All one’s ways are pure* in one’s own eyes,

but the measurer of motives is the Lord.a

3Entrust your works to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

4The Lord has made everything for a purpose,

even the wicked for the evil day.*

5Every proud heart* is an abomination to the Lord;b

be assured that none will go unpunished.

6By steadfast loyalty guilt is expiated,

and by the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.*

7When the Lord is pleased with someone’s ways,

he makes even enemies be at peace with them.

8Better a little with justice,

than a large income with injustice.

9The human heart plans the way,

but the Lord directs the steps.* c

10An oracle is upon the king’s lips,

no judgment of his mouth is false.*

11Balance and scales belong to the Lord;

every weight in the sack is his concern.d

12Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings,

for by justice the throne endures.e

13The king takes delight in honest lips,

and whoever speaks what is right he loves.f

14The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,g

but a wise person can pacify it.

15A king’s smile means life,

and his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.*

16How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is preferable to silver.* h

17The path of the upright leads away from misfortune;

those who attend to their way guard their lives.*

18Pride goes before disaster,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19It is better to be humble with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.i

20Whoever ponders a matter will be successful;

happy the one who trusts in the Lord!

21The wise of heart is esteemed for discernment,

and pleasing speech gains a reputation for learning.

22Good sense is a fountain of life to those who have it,

but folly is the training of fools.

23The heart of the wise makes for eloquent speech,

and increases the learning on their lips.

24Pleasing words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones.

25Sometimes a way seems right,

but the end of it leads to death!j

26The appetite of workers works for them,

for their mouths urge them on.* k

27Scoundrels are a furnace of evil,

and their lips are like a scorching fire.

28Perverse speech sows discord,

and talebearing separates bosom friends.l

29The violent deceive their neighbors,

and lead them into a way that is not good.

30Whoever winks an eye plans perversity;

whoever purses the lips does evil.*

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;m

it is gained by a life that is just.

32The patient are better than warriors,

and those who rule their temper, better than the conqueror of a city.n

33Into the bag the lot is cast,

but from the Lord comes every decision.*