4Yahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; they shall certainly not be unpunished.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
7When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.
9A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.
10Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.
11Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.
14The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
26The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.