1The plans of the mind belong to mortals,

but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

2All one's ways may be pure in one's own eyes,

but the LORD weighs the spirit.

3Commit your work to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.

4The LORD has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

5All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the LORD;

be assured, they will not go unpunished.

6By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the LORD one avoids evil.

7When the ways of people please the LORD,

he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.

8Better is a little with righteousness

than large income with injustice.

9The human mind plans the way,

but the LORD directs the steps.

10Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgement.

11Honest balances and scales are the LORD's;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

12It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves those who speak what is right.

14A king's wrath is a messenger of death,

and whoever is wise will appease it.

15In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favour is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

16How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17The highway of the upright avoids evil;

those who guard their way preserve their lives.

18Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor

than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,

and happy are those who trust in the LORD.

21The wise of heart is called perceptive,

and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

22Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,

but folly is the punishment of fools.

23The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,

and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

25Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,

but in the end it is the way to death.

26The appetite of workers works for them;

their hunger urges them on.

27Scoundrels concoct evil,

and their speech is like a scorching fire.

28A perverse person spreads strife,

and a whisperer separates close friends.

29The violent entice their neighbours,

and lead them in a way that is not good.

30One who winks the eyes plans16.30 Gk Syr Vg Tg: Heb to plan perverse things;

one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.

31Grey hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained in a righteous life.

32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap,

but the decision is the LORD's alone.