21 The king’s thoughts are like streams of water to Yahweh—

→ he directs them to go wherever he wants.

2 All a person’s ways seem right in their own eyes,

^ but Yahweh evaluates motives.

3 To do what’s right and fair

→ is more desirable to Yahweh than sacrificing.

4 Arrogance and pride—the lamp of wicked people,

→ is disobeying Yahweh.

5 The plans of diligent people will only lead to abundance,

^ but those who just rush around will only get poverty.

6 Wealth that’s acquired via a lying tongue,

→ will be like a quick breath for those seeking death.

7 The violence of wicked people will drag them away,

because they refuse to apply justice.

8 The paths of a guilty person are crooked,

^ but well-behaved people act with decency.

9 It’s better to live in the corner of the attic[fn]

than inside the main house with the company of an argumentative wife.

10 Wicked people have a strong, inner craving for evil.

→ Even their neighbours won’t be shown any favour.

11 By punishing a mocker, a naive person becomes wise,

≈ and when wise people are instructed, they acquire knowledge.

12 People who do what’s right pay attention to the wicked person’s house,

→ subverting the wicked until they’re ruined.

13 Any person who shuts their ears to the cry of the poor

→ will also call out for help but won’t be answered.

14 A discreet gift subdues anger,

≈ and a bribe quietens down a strong rage.

15 The godly person enjoys promoting justice,

^ but brings terror to those doing wicked things.

16 Anyone who wanders away from the path of insight,

→ will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 The lover of pleasure will become poor.

≈ Anyone who loves wine and rich food won’t become wealthy.

18 A wicked person becomes the payment to free someone who does what’s right,

and ≈ a treacherous person ≡to free a godly person.

19 It’s better to live in a wilderness region,

than with a wife who’s argumentative and negative.

20 Precious treasures and oil will be in the house of a wise person,

^ but a foolish person consumes it all.

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