1In the hands of Yahweh, the heart of the king is like running water; he directs it wherever he wishes.
2To the eyes of man all his ways are honest but it is Yahweh who weighs the heart.
3To do what is upright and just pleases Yahweh more than sacrifice.
4Haughty looks, proud heart, the light of the wicked is sin.
5The plans of a hardworking man result in earnings; poverty is for those who act too hastily.
6To make a fortune by means of deceit is like running after the wind; the end is death.
7The violence of the wicked carries them away because they refuse to practice justice.
8The way of the criminal is devious; but honest are the ways of the innocent man.
9Better the corner of a barn to live in than a house shared with a raging woman.
10The soul of the wicked desires nothing but evil; not even his friend is treated with compassion.
11When the mocker is punished the ignorant man grows wise; when the wise man is instructed he grows in knowledge.
12The Just One watches the house of the evildoer and hurls the wicked into misfortune.
13He who is deaf to the poor man’s cry will not be heard when he himself calls out.
14A discreet gift pacifies anger, a bribe diverts violent rage.
15Upright men are glad when justice reigns but evildoers tremble.
16He who departs from the ways of prudence will sleep in the assembly of the Shades.
17Pleasure-lovers remain poor, he who loves wine and perfume will never grow rich.
18The wicked man will pay for the virtuous and the treacherous man, for the honest.
19Better to live in a deserted place than with a raging and abusive woman.
20There is oil and precious treasure in the wise man’s house, things which the fool squanders.
21He who seeks justice and mercy will gain life, prosperity and honor.
22The wise man conquers a city of warriors and tears down the walls they trust in.
23He who keeps guard over his mouth and tongue saves himself from anguish.
24“Mocker” is the name of the arrogant and haughty, he in whom pride abounds.
25The idler’s desires lead him to death because his hands refuse to work. 26He covets all day long while the upright man gives without stinting.
27Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, above all when they offer it for an unjust cause.
28The lying witness will perish but he who listens wisely will be given time to speak.
29The wicked man tries to appear firm and stable while the honest man confirms his way.
30No wisdom, prudence or advice can withstand the look of Yahweh.
31The horse is equipped for the day of battle but it is Yahweh who gives the victory.
