211 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, 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 every one 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 woman.

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

12 The righteous observes the house of the wicked; the wicked are cast down to ruin.

13 He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard.

14 A gift in secret averts anger; and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.

16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who 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 woman.

20 Precious treasure remains in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

24 "Scoffer" is the name of the proud, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

25 The desire of the sluggard kills him for his hands refuse to labor. 26 All day long the wicked covets, but 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 the word of a man who hears will endure.

29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his 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.

Exhortations to Obedience

31 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. 3 Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about 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 man. 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 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 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 son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, 14 for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit 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 forth, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, 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 ruin of the wicked, when it comes; 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 evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you. 30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways; 32 for the perverse man is 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 fools get disgrace.