Proverbs 16
[1] The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
[2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the spirit.
[3] Commit your work to the LORD,
and your plans will be established.
[4] The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
[5] Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
be assured, he will not go unpunished.
[6] By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from 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
than great revenues with injustice.
[9] The heart of man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.
[10] An oracle is on the lips of a king;
his mouth does not sin in judgment.
[11] A just balance and scales are the LORD’s;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
[12] It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
for the throne is established by righteousness.
[13] Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
and he loves him who speaks what is right.
[14] A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
and a wise man will appease it.
[15] In the light of a king’s face there is life,
and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
[16] How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
[17] The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
whoever guards his way preserves his life.
[18] Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
[19] It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
[20] Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
[21] The wise of heart is called discerning,
and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
[22] Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
but the instruction of fools is folly.
[23] The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
[24] Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
[25] There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
[26] A worker’s appetite works for him;
his mouth urges him on.
[27] A worthless man plots evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.
[28] A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
[29] A man of violence entices his neighbor
and leads him in a way that is not good.
[30] Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things;
he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
[31] Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
[32] Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
[33] The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD. (ESV)
