1 The sovereign’s heart is as channels of water In the hand of יהוה; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 All a man’s ways are right in his own eyes, But יהוה weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and right-ruling Is more acceptable to יהוה than a slaughtering.
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, The lamp of the wrong, are sin.
5 The plans of the hard worker lead only to plenty, But all rash haste only to poverty.
6 Gaining treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapour, heading for death.
7 The spoil of the wrong catches them, Because they refused to do right- ruling.
8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the innocent, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of a roof, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The desire of the wrong is set upon evil; His neighbour finds no favour in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wrong; He overthrows the wrong for their evil.
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, Let him also cry and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret subdues displeasure, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 To do right-ruling is joy to the righteous, But ruin to the workers of wickedness.
16 A man who strays from the way of understanding, Rests in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure is a poor man; He who loves wine and oil does not become rich.
18 The wrong is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous for the straight.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and vexed woman.
20 Desirable treasure and oil, Are in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.
21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness Finds life, righteousness and esteem.
22 A wise one scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Guards his life from distresses.
24 Proud, haughty, “Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the lazy man slays him, For his hands refused to work.
26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not withhold.
27 The slaughtering of the wrong is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wickedness!
28 A false witness perishes, But the man who obeys speaks forever.
29 A wrong man hardens his face, But as for the straight, he establishes his way.
30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against יהוה.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the deliverance is of יהוה.