THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
Proverbs 16
1 ¶ The conviction of the heart in man, and the response of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2 ¶ All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the motives.
3 ¶ Entrust your work to the LORD, and your plans will be fulfilled.
4 ¶ The LORD has made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 ¶ Every one who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: be assured, he will not escape punishment.
6 ¶ By mercy and truth sin is washed away: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7 ¶ When a man’s ways please the LORD, he causes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 ¶ A few possessions gained honestly are better than great wealth gained through injustice.
9 ¶ A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.
10 ¶ When God’s verdict is on the lips of the king: his mouth should not err in judgment.
11 ¶ A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 ¶ It is an abomination for kings to do evil: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 ¶ Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love one who speaks honestly.
14 ¶ The anger of a king is like a messenger of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the smile of the king’s face is life; and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain.
16 ¶ It is far better to get wisdom than gold! and gaining understanding should be preferred over silver!
17 ¶ The highway of the upright turns aside from evil: he who guards his way preserves his soul.
18 ¶ Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 ¶ It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to share plunder with the proud.
20 ¶ He who handles a matter wisely will succeed: and he who trusts in the LORD is blessed.
21 ¶ The wise in heart will be called a man of understanding: and pleasant speech increases learning.
22 ¶ Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 ¶ The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24 ¶ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healthy for the body.
25 ¶ There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26 ¶ He who works labors for himself; because his mouth requires it of him.
27 ¶ An ungodly man digs up evil: and on his lips there is a searing flame.
28 A perverse man sows strife: and a gossip separates good friends.
29 ¶ A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He shuts his eyes to plan perverse things: moving his lips he brings evil to pass.
31 ¶ The aged head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 ¶ He who is slow to anger is better than a fighter; and he who rules his spirit than he who conquers a city.
33 ¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but how it will come out is of the LORD.