Proverbs 16
1The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.2
3All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs motives.4
5Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.6
7The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose — even the wicked for the day of disaster.8
9Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.10
11Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.12
13When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.14
15Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.16
17A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.18
19God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.20
21Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern.22
23Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.24
25Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.26
27A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.28
29When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.30
31Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver.32
33The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.34
35Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.36
37Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.38
39The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.40
41Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.42
43Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.44
45The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.46
47Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.48
49There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.50
51A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger urges him on.52
53A worthless person digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.54
55A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.56
57A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him on a path that is not good.58
59The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.60
61Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the ways of righteousness.62
63Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.64
65The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.66
3All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs motives.4
5Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.6
7The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose — even the wicked for the day of disaster.8
9Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.10
11Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.12
13When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.14
15Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.16
17A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.18
19God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.20
21Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern.22
23Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.24
25Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.26
27A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.28
29When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.30
31Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver.32
33The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.34
35Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.36
37Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.38
39The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.40
41Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.42
43Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.44
45The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.46
47Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.48
49There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.50
51A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger urges him on.52
53A worthless person digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.54
55A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.56
57A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him on a path that is not good.58
59The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.60
61Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the ways of righteousness.62
63Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.64
65The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.66