1To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
2All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord .
3Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
4The Lord works out everything for his own ends- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
7When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord , he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
11Honest scales and balances are from the Lord ; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.
14A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.