1 The Lord controls rulers,just as he determinesthe course of rivers.
2 We may think we are doingthe right thing,but the Lord always knowswhat is in our hearts.
3 Doing what is right and fairpleases the Lordmore than an offering.
4 Evil people are proudand arrogant,but sin is the only cropthey produce.
5 If you plan and work hard,you will have plenty;if you get in a hurry,you will end up poor.
6 Cheating to get richis a foolish dreamand no less than suicide.
7 You destroy yourselfby being cruel and violentand refusing to live right.
8 All crooks are liars,but anyone who is innocentwill do right.
9 It's better to stay outsideon the roof of your housethan to live insidewith a nagging wife.
10 Evil people want to do wrong,even to their friends.
11 An ignorant fool learnsby seeing others punished;a sensible person learnsby being instructed.
12 God is always fair!He knows what the wicked doand will punish them.
13 If you won't help the poor,don't expect to be heardwhen you cry out for help.
14 A secret bribe will save youfrom someone's fierce anger.
15 When justice is done,good citizens are gladand crooks are terrified.
16 If you stop using good sense,you will find yourselfin the grave.
17 Heavy drinkers and otherswho live only for pleasurewill lose all they have.
18 God's people will escape,but all who are wickedwill pay the price.
19 It's better out in the desertthan at home with a nagging,complaining wife.
20 Be sensible and store upprecious treasures—don't waste themlike a fool.
21 If you try to be kind and good,you will be blessed with lifeand goodness and honour.
22 One wise person can defeata city full of soldiersand capture their fortress.
23 Watching what you saycan save youa lot of trouble.
24 If you are proud and conceited,everyone will say,“You're a snob!”
25 If you want too muchand are too lazy to work,it could be fatal.
26 But people who obey Godare always generous.
27 The Lord despises the offeringsof wicked peoplewith evil motives.
28 If you tell lies in court,you are done for;only a reliable witnesscan do the job.
29 Wicked people bluff their way,but God's people thinkbefore they take a step.
30 No matter how much you knowor what plans you make,you can't defeat the Lord.
31 Even if your army has horsesready for battle,the Lord will always win.