Proverbs

21 [Like] channels of water is the heart of a king in the hand of Yahweh,—Whithersoever he will he turneth it.

2 Every way of a man may be right in his own eyes, But he that testeth hearts is Yahweh.

3 To do righteousness and justice Is more choice to Yahweh than sacrifice.

4 Loftiness of eyes and ambition of heart—The lamp of the lawless are sin.

5 The plans of the diligent tend only to abundance, But of every one that is urgent only to want.

6 The gaining of treasures with a tongue of falsehood Is a vapour driven away, [they who seek them] seek death.

7 The violence of the lawless shall drag them away,—Because they have refused to do justice.

8 Crooked is the way of a guilty man, But as for the pure straight is his dealing.

9 Better to dwell on the corner of the roof Than a quarrelsome wife, and a house in common.

10 The soul of the lawless man craveth mischief, His own friend findeth no favour in his eyes.

11 When the scoffer is punished the simple becometh wise, When the wise is instructed he receiveth knowledge.

12 The Righteous One observeth the house of the lawless,—He is ready to cast down lawless men into misfortune.

13 He that shutteth his ear from the cry of the poor Even he shall call and not be answered.

14 A gift in secret quencheth anger, And a present in the bosom mighty wrath.

15 It is a joy to a righteous man to do justice, But dismay to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man who wandereth from the way of discretion In the gathered host of the shades shall settle down.

17 A needy man shall he be that loveth merriment, The lover of wine and oil shall not become rich.

18 A ransom for the righteous is the lawless, And instead of upright men the traitor.

19 Better to dwell in a desert land Than with a woman quarrelsome and provoking.

20 Desirable treasure and oil are in the home of the wise, But a man who is a dullard will destroy it.

21 He that pursueth righteousness and lovingkindness Shall find life, righteousness and honour.

22 A city of heroes doth a wise man scale, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.

23 He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth out of distresses his soul.

24 A haughty insolent one—Scoffer is his name Is he that acteth in a transport of pride.

25 The craving of the sluggard killeth him, For his hands have refused to work.

26 All the day he greatly craveth, Whereas the righteous giveth and doth not spare.

27 The sacrifice of the lawless is an abomination, How much more when with wickedness he bringeth it in!

28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hearkeneth with abiding effect shall speak.

29 A lawless man emboldeneth his face, But as for the upright he directeth his ways.

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding, Nor counsel to confront Yahweh.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But to Yahweh pertaineth the victory.