1The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. 2Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. 3To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4A high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin. 5The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. 6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro by them that seek death. 7The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 8The way of man [is] froward and strange: but [as for] the pure, his work [is] right. 9[It is] better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes. 11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness. 13Whoever stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom, strong wrath. 15[It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity. 16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19[It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20[There is] a treasure to be desired, and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence. 23Whoever keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 24Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. 25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor. 26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. 27The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind? 28A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. 29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way. 30[There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 31The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] from the LORD.