161 The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All one's ways may be pure in one's own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord; be assured, they will not go unpunished.
6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.
7 When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice.
9 The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.
10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves those who speak what is right.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and whoever is wise will appease it. 15 In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their way preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.
21 The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.
23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25 Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death.
26 The appetite of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on.
27 Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 The violent entice their neighbors, and lead them in a way that is not good. 30 One who winks the eyes plans perverse things; one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the Lord's alone.
31 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. 3 Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the storm that strikes the wicked; 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"-when you have it with you. 29 Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. 30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. 31 Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; 32 for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. 33 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. 35 The wise will inherit honor, but stubborn fools, disgrace.
