Read the Bible

¹ People might plan what they want to say, but it is the Lord who gives them the right words.

² People think that whatever they do is right, but the Lord judges their reason for doing it.

³ Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.

⁴ The Lord has a plan for everything. In his plan, the wicked will be destroyed.

⁵ The Lord hates those who are proud. You can be sure he will punish them all.

⁶ Faithful love and loyalty will remove your guilt.^[a] Respect the Lord, and you will stay far away from evil.

⁷ When people live to please the Lord, even their enemies will be at peace with them.

⁸ It is better to be poor and do right than to be rich and do wrong.

⁹ People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.

¹⁰ When a king speaks, his words are law. So when he makes a decision, it is never a mistake.

¹¹ The Lord wants all scales and balances to be right; he wants all business agreements to be fair.

¹² Kings hate to see anyone doing wrong,^[b] because kingdoms grow strong only when everyone is honest and fair.

¹³ Kings want to hear the truth. They like those who are honest.

¹⁴ When a king gets angry, he can put someone to death. So it is wise to keep the king happy.

¹⁵ When the king is happy, life is better for everyone. When he is pleased, it is like a refreshing spring rain.

¹⁶ Wisdom is worth much more than gold. Understanding is worth much more than silver.

¹⁷ Good people try to avoid evil. They watch what they do and protect themselves.

¹⁸ Pride is the first step toward destruction. Proud thoughts will lead you to defeat.

¹⁹ It is better to be a humble person living among the poor than to share the wealth among the proud.

²⁰ Good things happen to those who learn from their experiences, and the Lord blesses those who trust him.

²¹ People will know if someone is wise. Those who choose their words carefully can be very convincing.

²² Good sense is a spring of fresh water to those who have it, but fools can offer only foolishness.

²³ Wise people always think before they speak, so what they say is worth listening to.

²⁴ Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.

²⁵ There is a way that seems right to people, but that way leads only to death.

²⁶ The thought of hunger keeps the workers working so that they can eat.

²⁷ Troublemakers create disasters. Their advice destroys like a wildfire.

²⁸ Troublemakers are always causing problems. Their gossip breaks up the closest of friends.

²⁹ Cruel people trick their neighbors and make them do wrong. ³⁰ With a wink of the eye, they plan to trick someone. With a grin, they make plans to hurt their friends.

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of glory on people who have lived good lives. It is earned by living right.

³² It is better to be patient than to be a strong soldier. It is better to control your anger than to capture a city.

³³ People might throw lots to make a decision, but the answer always comes from the Lord.