The Lord and the ways of men
1
Arrangements of the heart [are] of man, || An answer of the tongue from YHWH.
2
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, || And YHWH is pondering the spirits.
3
Roll your works to YHWH, || And your purposes are established,
4
YHWH has worked all things for Himself, || And also the wicked—for a day of evil.
5
Every proud one of heart [is] an abomination to YHWH, || Hand to hand—he is not acquitted.
6
Iniquity is pardoned in kindness and truth, || And in the fear of YHWH || Turn aside from evil.
7
When a man’s ways please YHWH, even his enemies, || He causes to be at peace with him.
8
Better [is] a little with righteousness, || Than abundance of increase without justice.
9
The heart of man devises his way, || And YHWH establishes his step.
10
An oath [is] on the lips of a king, || In judgment his mouth does not trespass.
11
A just beam and balances [are] YHWH’s, || All the stones of the bag [are] His work.
Wisdom - the source of life
12
Doing wickedness [is] an abomination to kings, || For a throne is established by righteousness.
13
Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings, || And he loves whoever is speaking uprightly,
14
The fury of a king [is] messengers of death, || And a wise man pacifies it.
15
In the light of a king’s face [is] life, || And his goodwill [is] as a cloud of the spring rain.
16
To get wisdom—how much better than gold, || And to get understanding—to be chosen [more] than silver!
17
A highway of the upright [is] to turn from evil, || Whoever is preserving his soul is watching his way.
18
Pride [is] before destruction, || And before stumbling—a haughty spirit.
19
Better is humility of spirit with the poor, || Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
20
The wise in any matter finds good, || And whoever is trusting in YHWH, O his blessedness.
21
For the wise in heart is called intelligent, || And sweetness of lips increases learning.
22
Understanding [is] a fountain of life to its possessors, || The instruction of fools is folly.
23
The heart of the wise causes his mouth to act wisely, || And he increases learning by his lips,
24
Sayings of pleasantness [are] a honeycomb, || Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
The wicked and deceitful man
25
There is a way right before a man, || And its latter end—ways of death.
26
A laboring man has labored for himself, || For his mouth has caused [him] to bend over it.
27
A worthless man is preparing evil, || And on his lips [is] as a burning fire.
28
A contrary man sends forth contention, || A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
29
A violent man entices his neighbor, || And causes him to go in a way [that is] not good.
30
Consulting his eyes to devise contrary things, || Moving his lips he has accomplished evil.
31
Grey hairs [are] a crown of beauty, || It is found in the way of righteousness.
32
Better [is] the [one] slow to anger than the mighty, || And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
33
The lot is cast into the center, || And all its judgment [is] from YHWH!
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