Proverbs 16

1 To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.

2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

4 The Lord works out everything for his own ends—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.

7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord,
he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.

9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth should not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances are from the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.

12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value a man who speaks the truth.

14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
but a wise man will appease it.

15 When a king's face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
he who guards his way guards his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,
but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.

26 The laborer's appetite works for him;
his hunger drives him on.

27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor
and leads him down a path that is not good.

30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity;
he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life.

32 Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.

PROVERBS 16

The [Lord] //Has the Final Word

1 We humans make plans,
but the [Lord]
has the final word.

2 We may think we know
what is right,
but the [Lord] is the judge
of our motives.

3 Share your plans with the [Lord],
and you will succeed.

4 The [Lord] has a reason
for everything he does,
and he lets evil people live
only to be punished.

5 The [Lord] doesn't like
anyone who is conceited—
you can be sure
they will be punished.

6  t If we truly love God,
our sins will be forgiven;
if we show him respect,
we will keep away from sin.

7 When we please the [Lord],
even our enemies
make friends with us.

8  t It's better to be honest
and poor
than to be dishonest
and rich.

9 We make our own plans,
but the [Lord] decides
where we will go.

10 Rulers speak with authority
and are never wrong.

11 The [Lord] watches to see
if we are fair
or if we cheat others.

12 Justice makes rulers powerful.
They should hate evil

13 and like honesty and truth.

14 An angry ruler
can put you to death.
So be wise!
Don't make one angry.

15 When a ruler is happy
and pleased with you,
it's like refreshing rain,
and you will live.

16 It's much better to be wise
and sensible
than to be rich.

17 God's people avoid evil ways,
and they protect themselves
by watching where they go.

18 Too much pride
will destroy you.

19 You are better off
to be humble and poor
than to get rich
from what you take by force.

20 If you know what you're doing, t
you will prosper.
God blesses everyone
who trusts him.

21 Good judgment proves
that you are wise,
and if you speak kindly,
you can teach others.

22 Good sense is a fountain
that gives life,
but fools are punished
by their foolishness.

23 You can persuade others
if you are wise
and speak sensibly.

24 Kind words are like honey—
they cheer you up
and make you feel strong.

25  t Sometimes what seems right
is really a road to death.

26 The hungrier you are,
the harder you work.

27 Worthless people plan trouble.
Even their words burn
like a flaming fire.

28  t Gossip is no good!
It causes hard feelings
and comes between friends.

29 Don't trust violent people.
They will mislead you
to do the wrong thing.

30 When someone winks
or grins behind your back,
trouble is on the way.

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown
worn by those
who have lived right.

32 Controlling your temper
is better than being a hero
who captures a city.

33 We make our own decisions,
but the [Lord] alone
determines what happens.