1[Like] channels of water, is the heart of a king, in the hand of Yahweh,—whithersoever he will, he turneth it.
2Every way of a man, may be right in his own eyes, but, he that testeth hearts, is Yahweh.
3To do righteousness and justice, is more choice to Yahweh than sacrifice.
4Loftiness of eyes, and ambition of heart—the lamp of the lawless, are sin.
5The plans of the diligent, tend only to abundance, but, of every one that is urgent, only to want.
6The gaining of treasures with a tongue of falsehood, is a vapour driven away, [they who seek them] seek death,
7The violence of the lawless, shall drag them away,—because they have refused to do justice.
8Crooked is the way of a guilty man, but, as for the pure, straight is his dealing.
9Better to dwell on the corner of the roof, than a quarrelsome wife, and a house in common.
10The soul of the lawless man, craveth mischief, his own friend, findeth no favour in his eyes.
11When the scoffer is punished, the simple, becometh wise, when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12The Righteous One observeth the house of the lawless,—He is ready to cast down lawless men into misfortune.
13He that shutteth his ear from the cry of the poor, even he, shall call, and not be answered.
14A gift in secret, quencheth anger, and, a present in the bosom, mighty wrath.
15It is a joy, to a righteous man, to do justice, but, dismay, to the workers of iniquity.
16The man who wandereth from the way of discretion, in the gathered host of the shades, shall settle down.
17A needy man, shall he be that loveth merriment, the lover of wine and oil, shall not become rich.
18A ransom for the righteous, is the lawless, and, instead of upright men, the traitor.
19Better to dwell in a desert land, than with a woman, quarrelsome and provoking.
20Desirable treasure and oil, are in the home of the wise, but, a man who is a dullard, will destroy it.
21He that pursueth righteousness and lovingkindness, shall find life, righteousness and honour.
22A city of heroes, doth a wise man scale, and bringeth down the strength of its confidence.
23He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth, out of distresses, his soul.
24A haughty insolent one—Scoffer is his name, is he that acteth in a transport of pride.
25The craving of the sluggard, killeth him, for his hands have refused to work.
26All the day, he greatly craveth, whereas, the righteous, giveth, and doth not spare.
27The sacrifice of the lawless, is an abomination, how much more, when, with wickedness, he bringeth it in!
28A false witness, shall perish, but, the man who hearkeneth, with abiding effect, shall speak.
29A lawless man emboldeneth his face, but, as for the upright, he, directeth his ways.
30There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel, to confront Yahweh.
31The horse, is prepared for the day of battle, but, to Yahweh, pertaineth the victory.