Read the Bible

¹ We humans make plans,
but the Lord
    has the final word.
² We may think we know
    what is right,
    but the Lord is the judge
    of our motives.
³ Share your plans with the Lord,
    and you will succeed.

⁴ The Lord has a reason
    for everything he does,
    and he lets evil people live
    only to be punished.
⁵ The Lord doesn't like
    anyone who is conceited—
    you can be sure
    they will be punished.
⁶ If we truly love God,
    our sins will be forgiven;
    if we show him respect,
    we will keep away from sin.
⁷ When we please the Lord,
    even our enemies
    make friends with us.
⁸ It's better to be honest
    and poor
    than to be dishonest
    and rich.

⁹ We make our own plans,
    but the Lord decides
    where we will go.
¹⁰ Rulers speak with authority
    and are never wrong.
¹¹     The Lord doesn't like it
    when we cheat in business.
¹² Justice makes rulers powerful.
    They should hate evil
¹³     and like honesty and truth.
¹⁴ An angry ruler
    can put you to death.
So be wise!
    Don't make one angry.
¹⁵ When a ruler is happy
    and pleased with you,
    it's like refreshing rain,
    and you will live.

¹⁶ It's much better to be wise
and sensible
    than to be rich.
¹⁷ God's people avoid evil ways,
    and they protect themselves
    by watching where they go.
¹⁸ Too much pride
    will destroy you.
¹⁹ You are better off
    to be humble and poor
    than to get rich
    from what you take by force.
²⁰ If you know what you're doing,^[a]
    you will prosper.
    God blesses everyone
    who trusts him.
²¹ Good judgment proves
    that you are wise,
    and if you speak kindly,
    you can teach others.
²² Good sense is a fountain
    that gives life,
    but fools are punished
    by their foolishness.
²³ You can persuade others
    if you are wise
    and speak sensibly.

²⁴ Kind words are like honey—
    they cheer you up
    and make you feel strong.
²⁵ Sometimes what seems right
    is really a road to death.
²⁶     The hungrier you are,
    the harder you work.
²⁷ Worthless people plan trouble.
    Even their words burn
    like a flaming fire.
²⁸ Gossip is no good!
    It causes hard feelings
    and comes between friends.

²⁹ Don't trust violent people.
    They will mislead you
    to do the wrong thing.
³⁰ When someone winks
or grins behind your back,
    trouble is on the way.
³¹ Gray hair is a glorious crown
    worn by those
    who have lived right.
³² Controlling your temper
is better than being a hero
    who captures a city.
³³ We make our own decisions,
    but the Lord alone
    determines what happens.