16 The reflections of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. p

2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,

but the Lord evaluates the motives. q r

3 Commit your activities to the Lord,

and your plans will be achieved. s

4 The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose—

even the wicked for the day of disaster. t

5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord; u

be assured, v he will not go unpunished. w

6 Wickedness is * atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, x

and one turns from evil by the * fear of the Lord. y

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He z makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. a

8 Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice. b

9 A man’s heart plans his way,

but the Lord determines his steps. c

10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; d e

his mouth should not give an unfair judgment. f

11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;

all the weights in the bag g are His concern. h

12 Wicked behavior i is detestable to kings, j

since a throne is established through righteousness. k

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,

but a wise man appeases it. l

15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life;

his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

16 Get wisdom—

how much better it is than gold!

And get understanding—

it is preferable to silver. m

17 The highway of the upright n avoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life. o

18 Pride comes before destruction,

and an arrogant spirit before a fall. p

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble q r

than to divide plunder with the proud. s

20 The one who understands a matter finds success, t

and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy. u

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech v increases learning. w

22 Insight is a fountain of life x for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23 A wise heart instructs its mouth

and increases learning with its speech. y z

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: a

sweet to the taste b and health to the body. c d

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death. e

26 A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger f urges him on.

27 A worthless man digs up evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire. g

28 A contrary man spreads conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends. h

29 A violent man lures his neighbor, i

leading him in a way that is not good. j

30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;

the one who compresses his lips brings about evil. k

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown; l

it is found in the way of righteousness. m

32 Patience is better than power,

and controlling one’s temper, n than capturing a city. o

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord. p