- The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
- Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
- To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
- A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing[1] of the wicked are sin.
- The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
- Getting treasures by a lying tongue Isthe fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.[2]
- The violence of the wicked will destroy them,[3] Because they refuse to do justice.
- The way of a guilty man is perverse;[4] But as for the pure, his work is right.
- Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
- The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
- When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
- The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
- Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
- A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back,[5] strong wrath.
- It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
- A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
- He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
- The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.
- Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.
- There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.
- He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
- A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.
- Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
- A proud and haughty man—"Scoffer" is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.
- The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.
- He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.
- The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!
- A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
- A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes[6] his way.
- There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.
- The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.
- Or 'lamp'
- Septuagint reads 'Pursue vanity on the snares of death; 'Vulgate reads 'Is vain and foolish, and shall stumble on the snares of death; 'Targum reads 'They shall be destroyed, and they shall fall who seek death'.
- Literally 'drag them away'
- Or 'The way of a man is perverse and strange'
- Literally 'in the bosom'
- Qere and Septuagint read 'understands.'