| 1 In the hands of Yahweh, the heart of the king is like running water; he directs it wherever he wishes. | |
| 2 To the eyes of man all his ways are honest but it is Yahweh who weighs the heart. | |
| 3 To do what is upright and just pleases Yahweh more than sacrifice. | |
| 4 Haughty looks, proud heart, the light of the wicked is sin. | |
| 5 The plans of a hardworking man result in earnings; poverty is for those who act too hastily. | |
| 6 To make a fortune by means of deceit is like running after the wind; the end is death. | |
| 7 The violence of the wicked carries them away because they refuse to practice justice. | |
| 8 The way of the criminal is devious; but honest are the ways of the innocent man. | |
| 9 Better the corner of a barn to live in than a house shared with a raging woman. | |
| 10 The soul of the wicked desires nothing but evil; not even his friend is treated with compassion. | |
| 11 When the mocker is punished the ignorant man grows wise; when the wise man is instructed he grows in knowledge. | |
| 12 The Just One watches the house of the evildoer and hurls the wicked into misfortune. | |
| 13 He who is deaf to the poor man’s cry will not be heard when he himself calls out. | |
| 14 A discreet gift pacifies anger, a bribe diverts violent rage. | |
| 15 Upright men are glad when justice reigns but evildoers tremble. | |
| 16 He who departs from the ways of prudence will sleep in the assembly of the Shades. | |
| 17 Pleasure-lovers remain poor, he who loves wine and perfume will never grow rich. | |
| 18 The wicked man will pay for the virtuous and the treacherous man, for the honest. | |
| 19 Better to live in a deserted place than with a raging and abusive woman. | |
| 20 There is oil and precious treasure in the wise man’s house, things which the fool squanders. | |
| 21 He who seeks justice and mercy will gain life, prosperity and honor. | |
| 22 The wise man conquers a city of warriors and tears down the walls they trust in. | |
| 23 He who keeps guard over his mouth and tongue saves himself from anguish. | |
| 24 “Mocker” is the name of the arrogant and haughty, he in whom pride abounds. | |
| 25 The idler’s desires lead him to death because his hands refuse to work. | |
| 26 He covets all day long while the upright man gives without stinting. | |
| 27 Yahweh detests the sacrifice of the wicked, above all when they offer it for an unjust cause. | |
| 28 The lying witness will perish but he who listens wisely will be given time to speak. | |
| 29 The wicked man tries to appear firm and stable while the honest man confirms his way. | |
| 30 No wisdom, prudence or advice can withstand the look of Yahweh. | |
| 31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle but it is Yahweh who gives the victory. | |
