Proverbs 16

¹The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord. ²All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. [1 Sam 16:7; Heb 4:12] ³Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. ⁴The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil. ⁵Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished. [Prov 8:13; 11:20, 21] ⁶By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil. ⁷When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. ⁸Better is a little with righteousness Than great income [gained] with injustice. [Ps 37:16; Prov 15:16] ⁹A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. [Ps 37:23; Prov 20:24; Jer 10:23] ¹⁰A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment. [Deut 17:18-20; 2 Sam 14:17-20; 1 Kin 3:9-12; Is 11:2] ¹¹A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles]. ¹²It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God). ¹³Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved. ¹⁴The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it. ¹⁵In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain. ¹⁶How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. [Prov 8:10, 19] ¹⁷The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul). ¹⁸Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. ¹⁹It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant). ²⁰He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the Lord. ²¹The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener]. ²²Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness. ²³The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips. ²⁴Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. ²⁵There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death. ²⁶The appetite of a worker works for him, For his hunger urges him on. ²⁷A worthless man devises and digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire. ²⁸A perverse man spreads strife, And one who gossips separates intimate friends. [Prov 17:9] ²⁹A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin], And leads him in a way that is not good. ³⁰He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass. ³¹The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. [Prov 20:29] ³²He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. ³³The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.