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.