1. THE PLANS of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue.
2. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). [I Sam. 16:7; Heb. 4:12.]
3. Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.
4. The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose–even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil.
5. Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured [I pledge it] they will not go unpunished. [Prov. 8:13; 11:20-21.]
6. By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man–not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil.
7. When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8. Better is a little with righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation and right standing with God) than great revenues with injustice. [Ps. 37:16; Prov. 15:16.]
9. A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. [Ps. 37:23; Prov. 20:24; Jer. 10:23.]
10. Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.
11. A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles].
12. It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
13. Right and just lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15. In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favor is as a cloud bringing the spring rain.
16. How much better it is to get skillful and godly Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. [Prov. 8:10, 19.]