Proverbs

 2 All of a man’s ways seem right to him,+

But Jehovah examines the hearts.*+

 3 To do what is right and just

Is more pleasing to Jehovah than a sacrifice.+

 4 Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart

—The lamp that guides the wicked is sin.+

 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to success,*+

But all who are hasty surely head for poverty.+

 6 Gaining treasures by a lying tongue

Is like a vanishing mist, a deadly snare.*+

 7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,+

For they refuse to act with justice.

 8 The way of a guilty man is crooked,

But the activity of the pure man is upright.+

 9 Better to dwell on a corner of the roof

Than in the same house with a quarrelsome* wife.+

10 The wicked man* craves what is bad;+

He shows no favor toward his neighbor.+

11 When a ridiculer is punished, the inexperienced become wiser,

And when a wise person receives insight, he gains knowledge.*+

12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked one;

He overthrows the wicked to their ruin.+

13 Whoever stops up his ear to the cry of the lowly one

Will himself call and not be answered.+

14 A secret gift subdues anger,+

And a hidden bribe,* fierce rage.

15 It is a joy for the righteous one to act with justice,+

But it is something terrible to those who practice evil.

16 The man who strays from the way of insight

Will rest in the company of those powerless in death.+

17 The one who loves having a good time* will come to poverty;+

The one who loves wine and oil will not grow rich.

18 The wicked one is a ransom for the righteous one,

And the treacherous one will be taken in place of the upright.+

19 Better to dwell in the wilderness

Than with a quarrelsome* and irritable wife.+

20 Precious treasure and oil are found in the house of the wise,+

But the stupid man will squander* what he has.+

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and loyal love

Will find life, righteousness, and glory.+

22 A wise man can scale* the city of the mighty

And undermine the strength in which they trust.+

23 The one guarding his mouth and his tongue

Keeps himself* out of trouble.+

24 A presumptuous, arrogant braggart is what you call

The man who acts with reckless presumptuousness.+

25 What the lazy man craves will put him to death,

For his hands refuse to work.+

26 All day long he greedily craves,

But the righteous one gives, holding nothing back.+

28 A lying witness will perish,+

But the man who listens will testify with success.*

29 The wicked man puts on a bold face,+

But it is the upright one whose course is sure.*+

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,+

But salvation belongs to Jehovah.+