211 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
2 All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart- the lamp of the wicked-are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.
10 The souls of the wicked desire evil; their neighbors find no mercy in their eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser; when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he casts the wicked down to ruin.
13 If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret averts anger; and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
16 Whoever wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful wife.
20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.
22 One wise person went up against a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they trusted.
23 To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.
24 The proud, haughty person, named "Scoffer," acts with arrogant pride.
25 The craving of the lazy person is fatal, for lazy hands refuse to labor. 26 All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
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.
