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