Proverbs 16

1 The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.

4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; All the weights of the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh 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 of the latter rain.

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18 Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.

26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him thereto.

27 A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.

28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good.

30 He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness.

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.

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 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 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 doesn't like it
when we cheat in business.

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
being humble and poor
than getting 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 Sometimes what seems rightt
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 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 Grey 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.