1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the tongue’s answer is from Adonai.
2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but Adonai weighs the motives.
3 Commit whatever you do to Adonai, and your plans will succeed.
4 Adonai works everything out for his own purpose— even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 Adonai abhors all the proud in heart. Be assured, they will not go unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth is iniquity atoned, and by the fear of Adonai one avoids evil.
7 When one’s ways are pleasing to Adonai, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness than much income without justice.
9 The heart of man plans his course, but Adonai directs his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of the king— let his mouth never be treacherous in judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales are Adonai’s. All the weights in a bag are His handiwork.
12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for a throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. He loves those who speak honestly.
14 A king’s fury is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor like a cloud of spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil. He who guards his way protects his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoil with the proud.
20 One prudent in a matter will find good Blessed is the one who trusts in Adonai.
21 The wise in heart is called discerning, and sweetness of lips increases persuasiveness.
22 Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.
23 A wise man’s heart teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger drives him on.
27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and on his lips is a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person sows strife, and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him down a path that is no good.
30 One who winks his eyes schemes deceit, one who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory, found on the path of righteousness.
32 Better to be slow to anger than a mighty warrior. One who controls his temper is better than one who conquers a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but their very decision is from Adonai.