8  xBetter is a little with righteousness

than great revenues with injustice.

9  yThe heart of man plans his way,

but zthe Lord establishes his steps.

10  aAn oracle is on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgment.

11  bA just balance and scales are the Lord’s;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

12  It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for cthe throne is established by righteousness.

13  dRighteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

14  eA king’s wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will fappease it.

15  gIn the light of a king’s face there is life,

and his dfavor is like hthe clouds that bring the spring rain.

16  iHow much better to get wisdom than jgold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than ksilver.

17  The highway of the upright lturns aside from evil;

whoever guards his way preserves his life.