1Streams of water—the heart of a king—are in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he delights.2Every way of a man is upright in his own eyes, yet the LORD weighs the hearts.3Doing righteousness and justice is chosen by the LORD rather than sacrifice.4Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the fallow ground of the wicked—constitute sin.5The plots of the sharp surely lead to advantage, and everyone who hastens surely comes to need.6The work of treasures by a deceptive tongue is vanity driven away—the seekers of death.7The violence of the wicked drags them away, because they refuse to do justice.8The way of a man is crooked and guilty, but the work of the pure and upright is pleasant.9It is pleasant to dwell on the corner of a roof rather than with a contentious woman and a house under a spell.10The soul of the wicked desires evil and is not gracious in the eyes of his neighbor.11When a mocker is fined, the simple becomes wise, and when one is prudent toward the wise, he gains knowledge.12The righteous shows prudence toward the house of the wicked, thereby perverting the wicked toward evil.13Whoever shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor will himself call and will not be answered.14A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe in the bosom produces strong rage.15Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who work evil.16A man who strays from the way of prudence will rest in the assembly of shades.17A needy man who loves pleasure, who loves wine and oil, will not become rich.18The wicked serves as a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous acts under the upright.19It is better to dwell in a wilderness land than with a contentious woman, and vexation.20A desired treasure and oil rest in the pasture of the wise, but a fool of a man swallows them up.21Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.22The wise man ascends the city of mighty men and brings down the strength of its confidence.23Whoever guards his lips and his tongue guards his soul from distresses.24An arrogant and proud mocker—his name is one who acts in furious arrogance.25The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to act.26All day long he craves, but the righteous gives and does not withhold.27The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; moreover, he brings it with wickedness.28A lying witness will perish, but a man who listens will speak forever.29A wicked man is strong in his own face, yet the upright establishes understanding of his ways.30There is no wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel before the LORD.31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance belongs to the LORD.