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[1] The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

[2] Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.

[3] To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.

[4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.

[5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

[6] The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.

[7] The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice.

[8] The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.

[9] It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

[10] The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

[11] When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

[12] The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin.

[13] He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.

[14] A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

[15] The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

[16] A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

[17] He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

[18] The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright.

[19] It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman.

[20] There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.

[21] He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.

[22] A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

[23] He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

[24] “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, Who acts with insolent pride.

[25] The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;

[26] All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.

[27] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

[28] A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

[29] A wicked man displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.

[30] There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the LORD.

[31] The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD.

Proverbs — Chapters