Wisdom’s Blessings Come from the Lord

1  The plans of the heart belong to humans, 

but an answer on the tongue comes from the Lord. 

2  A person thinks all his ways are pure, 

but the Lord weighs motives. 

3  Entrust your efforts to the Lord, 

and your plans will succeed. 

4  The Lord has made everything for his own purpose, 

even wicked people for the day of trouble. 

5  Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the Lord. 

Certainly, ⸤such a person⸥ will not go unpunished. 

6  By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the Lord. 

By the fear of the Lord, evil is avoided. 

7  When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, 

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

8  Better a few ⸤possessions⸥ gained honestly 

than many gained through injustice. 

9  A person may plan his own journey, 

but the Lord directs his steps. 

10  When a divine revelation is on a king’s lips, 

he cannot voice a wrong judgment. 

11  Honest balances and scales belong to the Lord. 

He made the entire set of weights. 

12  Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings 

because a throne is established through righteousness. 

13  Kings are happy with honest words, 

and whoever speaks what is right is loved. 

14  A king’s anger announces death, 

but a wise man makes peace with him. 

15  When the king is cheerful, there is life, 

and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain.