1The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand, like streams of water; he directs it wherever he wants.
2People think everything they do is right, but Yahweh examines their motives.
3Doing what is right and fair is more pleasing to Yahweh than offering sacrifices.
4Arrogant eyes, a proud heart, and the prosperity of the wicked are all sinful.
5Careful planning definitely leads to profit, but everyone who acts too quickly will surely end up poor.
6Getting rich by telling lies is like a mist that quickly disappears for those who are seeking death.
7The violence done by wicked people will destroy them because they refuse to do what is right.
8Guilty people take crooked paths, but innocent people act honorably.
9It is better to live alone on the corner of a rooftop than to share a house with a nagging woman.
10Wicked people want to do evil; they have no mercy for their neighbors.
11When a mocker is punished, a naive person learns wisdom. When a wise person is taught, they gain knowledge.
12God, the Righteous One, watches what happens in the homes of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
13Anyone who ignores the cries of the poor will also cry out themselves and not be heard.
14A secret gift calms anger, and a hidden bribe can soothe strong fury.
15Doing justice brings joy to good people, but it brings destruction to those who do wrong.
16Anyone who strays from the path of understanding will end up among the dead.
17Someone who loves pleasure will become poor. Someone who loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
18Wicked people serve as a ransom for good people; unfaithful people are a ransom for honest people.
19It is better to live in a desert than with a nagging and irritable woman.
20Wise people collect valuable treasures and oil in their homes, but a foolish person wastes them.
21Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22A wise person can conquer a city of powerful warriors and break down the strong walls they trusted.
23Anyone who guards their mouth and tongue protects themself from trouble.
24A proud and arrogant person, whose name is "scoffer," acts with excessive pride.
25Lazy people are killed by their own desires because they refuse to work.
26Some people greedily want things all day long, but righteous people generously give and don't hold back.
27Yahweh hates the sacrifices offered by wicked people, especially when they offer them with evil intentions.
28A witness who lies will be destroyed, but a person who listens carefully speaks words that last.
29A wicked person acts stubbornly, but an upright person plans his actions carefully.
30No wisdom, understanding, or advice can stand against Yahweh.
31Horses are prepared for battle, but victory comes from Yahweh.