[1] The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
[2] People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
[3] The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
[4] Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
[5] Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
[6] Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
[7] The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
[8] The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.
[9] It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
[10] Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.
[11] If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
[12] The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; he will bring disaster on them.
[13] Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
[14] A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury.
[15] Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.
[16] The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.
[17] Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
[18] The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.
[19] It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
[20] The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
[21] Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
[22] The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust.
[23] Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
[24] Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance.
[25] Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.
[26] Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!
[27] The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
[28] A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak.
[29] The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
[30] No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.
[31] The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.