Proverbs 16

Chapter 16

1 We can make our own plans,
but the LORD gives the right answer.2 People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the LORD examines their motives.3 Commit your actions to the LORD,
and your plans will succeed.4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes,
even the wicked for a day of disaster.5 The LORD detests the proud;
they will surely be punished.6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.7 When people’s lives please the LORD,
even their enemies are at peace with them.8 Better to have little, with godliness,
than to be rich and dishonest.9 We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps.10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;
he must never judge unfairly.11 The LORD demands accurate scales and balances;
he sets the standards for fairness.12 A king detests wrongdoing,
for his rule is built on justice.13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
he loves those who speak honestly.14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat;
the wise will try to appease it.15 When the king smiles, there is life;
his favor refreshes like a spring rain.16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
and good judgment than silver!17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
whoever follows that path is safe.18 Pride goes before destruction,
and haughtiness before a fall.19 Better to live humbly with the poor
than to share plunder with the proud.20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the LORD will be joyful.21 The wise are known for their understanding,
and pleasant words are persuasive.22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,
but discipline is wasted on fools.23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.24 Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.25 There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.26 It is good for workers to have an appetite;
an empty stomach drives them on.27 Scoundrels create trouble;
their words are a destructive blaze.28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends.29 Violent people mislead their companions,
leading them down a harmful path.30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
with a smirk, they plan their mischief.31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.32 Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city.33 We may throw the dice,t
but the LORD determines how they fall.

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.