1 To human beings belong the plans of the heart, 1 but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 People may think all their ways are pure, 2 but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 3 and he will establish your plans.
4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end— 4 even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart. 5 Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; 6 through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way, 7 he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness 8 than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts human beings plan their course, 9 but the Lord establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, 10 and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; 11 all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, 12 for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; 13 they value persons who speak what is right.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, 14 but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; 15 his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, 16 to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; 17 those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction, 18 a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed 19 than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Those who give heed to instruction prosper,[a] 20 and blessed are those who trust in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, 21 and gracious words promote instruction.[b]
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, 22 but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, 23 and their lips promote instruction.[c]
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, 24 sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that appears to be right, 25 but in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them; 26 their hunger drives them on.
27 Scoundrels plot evil, 27 and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 The perverse stir up dissension, 28 and gossips separate close friends.
29 The violent entice their neighbors 29 and lead them down a path that is not good.
30 Those who wink with their eyes are plotting perversity; 30 those who purse their lips are bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; 31 it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior, 32 those with self-control than those who take a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, 33 but its every decision is from the Lord.
