^1. To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

^2. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

^3. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

^4. The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.

^5. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

^6. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

^7. When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

^8. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

^9. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

^10. The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

^11. Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

^12. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

^13. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

^14. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

^15. When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

^16. How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

^17. The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

^18. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

^19. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

^20. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

^21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. [1]

^22. Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

^23. A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. [2]

^24. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

^25. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

^26. The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

^27. A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

^28. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

^29. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

^30. He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

^31. Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

^32. Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

^33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.