1  ^jThe plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2  All the ways of a man are ^kpure in his own eyes,

but the Lord weighs the spirit.¹

3  ^lCommit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.

4  ^mThe Lord has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

5  Everyone who is ⁿarrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;

^obe assured, he will not go unpunished.

6  By ^psteadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and ^qby the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

7  When a man’s ways please the Lord,

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8  ^rBetter is a little with righteousness

than great revenues ^swith injustice.

9  The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

10  An oracle is on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgment.

11  ^tA just balance and scales are the Lord’s;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

12  It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for ^uthe throne is established by righteousness.

13  ^vRighteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

14  A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will appease it.

15  In the ^wlight of a king’s face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.