• On Life and Conduct

  • 1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He pleases.
  • 2 Every person’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord examines the hearts.
  • 3 To do righteousness and justice Is preferred 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 certainly lead to advantage, But everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes 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 sweep them away, Because they refuse to act with justice.
  • 8 The way of a guilty person is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
  • 9 It is better to live on a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
  • 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor is shown no compassion 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, Bringing the wicked to ruin.
  • 13 One who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor Will also call out himself, and not be answered.
  • 14 A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in an inside pocket, strong wrath.
  • 15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But terror to those who practice injustice.
  • 16 A person who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
  • 17 One who loves pleasure will become a poor person; One 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 irritating woman.
  • 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise, But a foolish person swallows it up.
  • 21 One who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
  • 22 A wise person scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
  • 23 One who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.
  • 24 “Proud,”“Arrogant,”“Scoffer,” are his names, One who acts with insolent pride.
  • 25 The desire of the lazy one 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 a person who listens will speak forever.
  • 29 A wicked person displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
  • 30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, And no plan against the Lord.
  • 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the victory belongs to the Lord.