Moff PROV Chapter 16

16 

A man may think what he will say,

but at the moment the word comes to him from the Eternal.

2 

A man’s ways seem all right to himself,

but the Eternal has the verdict on his life.

3 

Trust your affairs to the Eternal,

and your plans will prosper.

4 

The Eternal has made everything for an end of its own--

yes, and the wicked for their day of doom!

5 

Anyone who is defiant is loathsome to the Eternal;

be sure of this, he shall not go unpunished.

6 

Kindness and loyalty atone for sin;

by reverence for the Eternal men avoid punishment.

7 

When the ways of man please the Eternal,

He makes even his foes friends with him.

8 

Better a little with honesty,

than a large income with injustice.

9 

A man thinks out his plans,

but the Eternal controls his course.

10 

Unerring is a king’s decree;

never are his rulings wrong,

11 

Balances and scales are controlled by the king,

weights and measures are his concern.

12 

Kings have a horror of wrongdoing,

for the throne is maintained by justice.

13 

Honest talk is the delight of kings;

they love a man who tells the truth.

14 

A deadly thing is the king’s anger;

a sensible man will try to pacify it.

15 

When the king’s face is friendly, all goes well;

his favour is like rain-clouds in the spring.

16 

Better get wisdom than gold,

better choose knowledge than silver.

17 

The path of the upright avoids misfortune;

he safeguards life who watches where he goes.

18 

Pride ends in disaster;

haughtiness means a downfall.

19 

Better be modest among poor folk

than divide plunder with the proud.

20 

He shall prosper who heeds God’s command;

he who relies on the Eternal, happy is he.

22 

The thoughtful find their wisdom adds to life,

but the fool suffers for his folly.

21 

A wise man is esteemed for being pleasant;

his friendly words add to his influence.

23 

Good sense makes men judicious in their talk;

it adds persuasiveness to what they say.

24 

Kindly words are like a honeycomb,

both sweet and healthful.

25 

What man thinks a right course

may end upon the road to death.

26 

A labourer’s appetite labours for him;

his hunger drives him to work.

27 

The rascal sets mischief afoot,

his words scorch like a fire.

28 

The intriguer sows discord,

the tell-tale divides friend from friend.

29 

The knave misleads his neighbour,

and draws him into evil courses.

30 

The slanderer concocts a lie,

the detractor has designs of mischief.

31 

Grey hairs are a crown of honour,

gained by a good life.

32 

A forbearing man is better than a fighting man;

he who controls himself is better than a conqueror.

33 

The lot is thrown into the lap,

but the issue lies only with the Eternal.