1Man’s heart makes plans but it is Yahweh who answers.
2Although people are satisfied with all of their deeds Yahweh considers the motives.
3Entrust all you do to Yahweh and your plans will be realized.
4Yahweh made everything for a purpose, even the evildoer for the day of punishment.
5Yahweh hates the arrogant heart; you can be sure it will not go unpunished.
6With goodness and faithfulness you atone for your sin; with fear of Yahweh you may turn away from evil.
7When Yahweh is pleased with a man’s conduct, he reconciles even his enemies with him.
8Better to have little but be just than to have a great income without honesty.
9Man’s heart seeks the right way but it is Yahweh who makes his footsteps sure.
10The lips of the king utter or acles; he will not be mistaken when he judges.
11Yahweh demands a just balance and scales; the weights are the work of his hands.
12Kings who do evil are an abomination; it is justice that supports the kingship.
13He who judges according to justice wins the king’s favor, honest men are pleasing to him.
14The king’s anger is a messenger of death but the wise man knows how to appease him.
15The king’s serene countenance means life, his favor is like the spring rain.
16Better to have acquired wisdom rather than gold, discernment rather than silver.
17The way of the honest man is to turn away from evil; he who watches his steps keeps his life safe.
18Pride goes before destruction, an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19Better be humble among the lowly than share loot with the proud.
20He who listens to the word will find happiness; blessed is he who trusts in Yahweh.
21He whose heart is wise will be proclaimed discerning; moderate speech brings knowledge.
22Good sense is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, foolishness is the punishment of fools.
23The wise man’s heart keeps guard over his mouth, making his words more effective.
24Kind words are like a honeycomb: sweet to the spirit and healthy to the body.
25To one, his way seems honest, but ultimately it leads to death.
26The worker’s appetite works to his benefit; the need to eat spurs him on.
27The troublemaker prepares disgrace, a scorching fire is on his lips.
28The scoundrel stirs up trouble; his critical comments split up friends.
29A violent man deceives his neighbor and leads him along a path that is not good.
30He who closes his eyes and purses his lips to plot deceit already commits evil.
31White hairs are a magnificent crown for the one who has followed the path of virtue.
32The patient man is to be preferred to the hero; better the man who masters himself than the conqueror of cities.
33Fate is thrown in the bag but the decision depends on Yahweh.
