9
1The heart of man plans his way, but
2the LORD establishes his steps.
10
3An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11
4A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12
It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for
5the throne is established by righteousness.
13
6Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14
7A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will
8appease it.
15
9In the light of a king's face there is life, and his
10favor is like
11the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16
12How much better to get wisdom than
13gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than
14silver.
17
The highway of the upright
15turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
18
16Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19
17It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to
18divide the spoil with the proud.
20
Whoever gives thought to the word
19will discover good, and blessed is he
20who trusts in the LORD.
21
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech
21increases persuasiveness.
22
Good sense is
22a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
23
23The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24
24Gracious words are like
25a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and
26health to the body.
25
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26
A worker's appetite works for him; his
27mouth urges him on.
27
28A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like
29a scorching fire.
28
30A dishonest man spreads strife, and
31a whisperer
32separates close friends.
29
A man of violence
33entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.