1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.7When a man' ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.9A man' heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.11A just weight and balance are the LORD': all the weights of the bag are his work.12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.15In the light of the king' countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Proverbs 16
New International Reader’s Version
1People make plans in their hearts. But the LORD puts the correct answer on their tongues.2Everything a person does might seem pure to them. But the LORD knows why they do what they do.3Commit to the LORD everything you do. Then he will make your plans succeed.4The LORD works everything out to the proper end. Even those who do wrong were made for a day of trouble.5The LORD hates all those who have proud hearts. You can be sure that they will be punished.6Through love and truth sin is paid for. People avoid evil when they have respect for the LORD.7When the way you live pleases the LORD, he makes even your enemies live at peace with you.8It is better to have a little and do right than to have a lot and be unfair.9In their hearts human beings plan their lives. But the LORD decides where their steps will take them.10A king speaks as if his words come from God. And what he says does not turn right into wrong.11Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD. He made all the weights in the bag.12A king hates it when his people do what is wrong. A ruler is made secure when they do what is right.13Kings are pleased when what you say is honest. They value people who speak what is right.14An angry king can order your death. But a wise person will try to calm him down.15When a king’s face is happy, it means life. His favour is like rain in the spring.16It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver.17The path of honest people takes them away from evil. Those who guard their ways guard their lives.18If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall.19Suppose you are lowly in spirit along with those who are treated badly. That’s better than sharing stolen goods with those who are proud.20If anyone pays attention to what they’re taught, they will succeed. Blessed is the person who trusts in the LORD.21Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right. Kind words make people want to learn more.22Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it. But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do.23The hearts of wise people guide their mouths. Their words make people want to learn more.24Kind words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.25There is a way that appears to be right. But in the end it leads to death.26The hunger of workers makes them work. Their hunger drives them on.27A worthless person plans to do evil things. Their words are like a burning fire.28A twisted person stirs up conflict. Anyone who talks about others separates close friends.29A person who wants to hurt others tries to get them to sin. That person leads them down a path that isn’t good.30Whoever winks with their eye is planning to do wrong. Whoever closes their lips tightly is up to no good.31Grey hair is a glorious crown. You get it by living the right way.32It is better to be patient than to fight. It is better to control your temper than to take a city.33Lots are cast into the lap to make decisions. But everything they decide comes from the LORD.