Proverbs 16

1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,

but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,

but motives are weighed by the Lord.

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

and he will establish your plans.

4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end—

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.

Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;

through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.

7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,

he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

8 Better a little with righteousness

than much gain with injustice.

9 In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps.

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,

and his mouth does not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;

all the weights in the bag are of his making.

12 Kings detest wrongdoing,

for a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;

they value the one who speaks what is right.

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,

but the wise will appease it.

15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;

his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,

to get insight rather than silver!

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;

those who guard their ways preserve their lives.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed

than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,

and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

21 The wise in heart are called discerning,

and gracious words promote instruction.

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,

but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,

and their lips promote instruction.

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way that appears to be right,

but in the end it leads to death.

26 The appetite of laborers works for them;

their hunger drives them on.

27 A scoundrel plots evil,

and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends.

29 A violent person entices their neighbor

and leads them down a path that is not good.

30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;

whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;

it is attained in the way of righteousness.

32 Better a patient person than a warrior,

one with self-control than one who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.

1 The preparations of the heart in man,

And the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;

But the Lord weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto the Lord,

And thy thoughts shall be established.

4 The Lord hath made all things for himself:

Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord:

Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:

And by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness

Than great revenues without right.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way:

But the Lord directeth his steps.

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king:

His mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

11 A just weight and balance are the Lord’s:

All the weights of the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness:

For the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings;

And they love him that speaketh right.

14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death:

But a wise man will pacify it.

15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life;

And his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:

He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18 Pride goeth before destruction,

And an haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly,

Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good:

And whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent:

And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it:

But the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth,

And addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,

Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

But the end thereof are the ways of death.

26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself;

For his mouth craveth it of him.

27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil:

And in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28 A froward man soweth strife:

And a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour,

And leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things:

Moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory,

If it be found in the way of righteousness.

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;

And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap;

But the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

1 We can make our own plans,

but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The Lord detests the proud;

they will surely be punished.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.

By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

7 When people’s lives please the Lord,

even their enemies are at peace with them.

8 Better to have little, with godliness,

than to be rich and dishonest.

9 We can make our plans,

but the Lord determines our steps.

10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;

he must never judge unfairly.

11 The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;

he sets the standards for fairness.

12 A king detests wrongdoing,

for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;

he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat;

the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life;

his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,

and good judgment than silver!

17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;

whoever follows that path is safe.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

and haughtiness before a fall.

19 Better to live humbly with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;

those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

21 The wise are known for their understanding,

and pleasant words are persuasive.

22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,

but discipline is wasted on fools.

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;

the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—

sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25 There is a path before each person that seems right,

but it ends in death.

26 It is good for workers to have an appetite;

an empty stomach drives them on.

27 Scoundrels create trouble;

their words are a destructive blaze.

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

gossip separates the best of friends.

29 Violent people mislead their companions,

leading them down a harmful path.

30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;

with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained by living a godly life.

32 Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33 We may throw the dice,

but the Lord determines how they fall.

1 The preparations 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 spirits.

3 Commit your works to the Lord,

And your thoughts will be established.

4 The Lord has made all for Himself,

Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;

Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

6 In mercy and truth

Atonement is provided for iniquity;

And by the fear of the Lord one departs 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 vast revenues without justice.

9 A man’s heart plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

10 Divination is on the lips of the king;

His mouth must not transgress in judgment.

11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s;

All the weights in the bag are His work.

12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,

For a throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,

And they love him who speaks what is right.

14 As messengers of death is the king’s wrath,

But a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of the king’s face is life,

And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;

He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,

Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good,

And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,

And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.

But the correction 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,

Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

26 The person who labors, labors for himself,

For his hungry mouth drives him on.

27 An ungodly man digs up evil,

And it is on his lips like a burning fire.

28 A perverse man sows strife,

And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor,

And leads him in a way that is not good.

30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things;

He purses his lips and brings about evil.

31 The silver-haired 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 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.

1 People may make plans in their minds,

but only the Lord can make them come true.

2 You may believe you are doing right,

but the Lord will judge your reasons.

3 Depend on the Lord in whatever you do,

and your plans will succeed.

4 The Lord makes everything go as he pleases.

He has even prepared a day of disaster for evil people.

5 The Lord hates those who are proud.

They will surely be punished.

6 Love and truth bring forgiveness of sin.

By respecting the Lord you will avoid evil.

7 When people live so that they please the Lord,

even their enemies will make peace with them.

8 It is better to be poor and right

than to be wealthy and dishonest.

9 People may make plans in their minds,

but the Lord decides what they will do.

10 The words of a king are like a message from God,

so his decisions should be fair.

11 The Lord wants honest balances and scales;

all the weights are his work.

12 Kings hate those who do wrong,

because governments only continue if they are fair.

13 Kings like honest people;

they value someone who speaks the truth.

14 An angry king can put someone to death,

so a wise person will try to make him happy.

15 A smiling king can give people life;

his kindness is like a spring shower.

16 It is better to get wisdom than gold,

and to choose understanding rather than silver!

17 Good people stay away from evil.

By watching what they do, they protect their lives.

18 Pride leads to destruction;

a proud attitude brings ruin.

19 It is better to be humble and be with those who suffer

than to share stolen property with the proud.

20 Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed,

and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy.

21 The wise are known for their understanding.

Their pleasant words make them better teachers.

22 Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it,

but foolishness brings punishment to fools.

23 Wise people’s minds tell them what to say,

and that helps them be better teachers.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

making people happy and healthy.

25 Some people think they are doing right,

but in the end it leads to death.

26 The workers’ hunger helps them,

because their desire to eat makes them work.

27 Useless people make evil plans,

and their words are like a burning fire.

28 A useless person causes trouble,

and a gossip ruins friendships.

29 Cruel people trick their neighbors

and lead them to do wrong.

30 Someone who winks is planning evil,

and the one who grins is planning something wrong.

31 Gray hair is like a crown of honor;

it is earned by living a good life.

32 Patience is better than strength.

Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city.

33 People throw lots to make a decision,

but the answer comes from the Lord.

1 The plans of the heart belong to man;

But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;

But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah,

And thy purposes shall be established.

4 Jehovah hath made everything for its own end;

Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah:

Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for;

And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please Jehovah,

He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little, with righteousness,

Than great revenues with injustice.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way;

But Jehovah directeth his steps.

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king;

His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah’s;

All the weights of the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness;

For the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings;

And they love him that speaketh right.

14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death;

But a wise man will pacify it.

15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life;

And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!

Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:

He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18 Pride goeth before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor,

Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good;

And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent;

And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it;

But the correction of fools is their folly.

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth,

And addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb,

Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

But the end thereof are the ways of death.

26 The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him;

For his mouth urgeth him thereto.

27 A worthless man deviseth mischief;

And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.

28 A perverse man scattereth abroad strife;

And a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbor,

And leadeth him in a way that is not good.

30 He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise perverse things:

He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory;

It shall be found in the way of righteousness.

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;

And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap;

But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.

1 The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto Jehovah, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4 Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held innocent.

6 By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please Jehovah, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.

9 The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.

10 An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment.

11 The just balance and scales are Jehovah’s; all the weights of the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh aright.

14 The fury of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that taketh heed to his way keepeth his soul.

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the meek, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning.

24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

26 The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.

27 A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire. 28 A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.

29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good. 30 He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.

31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole decision is of Jehovah.

1 The plans of the heart belong to humans, 

but an answer on the tongue comes from the Lord. 

2 A person thinks all his ways are pure, 

but the Lord weighs motives. 

3 Entrust your efforts to the Lord, 

and your plans will succeed. 

4 The Lord has made everything for his own purpose, 

even wicked people for the day of trouble. 

5 Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the Lord. 

Certainly, ⸤such a person⸥ will not go unpunished. 

6 By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the Lord. 

By the fear of the Lord, evil is avoided. 

7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, 

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

8 Better a few ⸤possessions⸥ gained honestly 

than many gained through injustice. 

9 A person may plan his own journey, 

but the Lord directs his steps. 

10 When a divine revelation is on a king’s lips, 

he cannot voice a wrong judgment. 

11 Honest balances and scales belong to the Lord. 

He made the entire set of weights. 

12 Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings 

because a throne is established through righteousness. 

13 Kings are happy with honest words, 

and whoever speaks what is right is loved. 

14 A king’s anger announces death, 

but a wise man makes peace with him. 

15 When the king is cheerful, there is life, 

and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain. 

16 How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold, 

and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver. 

17 The highway of decent people turns away from evil. 

Whoever watches his way preserves his own life. 

18 Pride precedes a disaster, 

and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall. 

19 Better to be humble with lowly people 

than to share stolen goods with arrogant people. 

20 Whoever gives attention to the Lord’s word prospers, 

and blessed is the person who trusts the Lord. 

21 The person who is truly wise is called understanding, 

and speaking sweetly helps others learn. 

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, 

but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity. 

23 A wise person’s heart controls his speech, 

and what he says helps others learn. 

24 Pleasant words are ⸤like⸥ honey from a honeycomb— 

sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body. 

25 There is a way that seems right to a person, 

but eventually it ends in death. 

26 A laborer’s appetite works to his advantage, 

because his hunger drives him on. 

27 A worthless person plots trouble, 

and his speech is like a burning fire. 

28 A devious person spreads quarrels. 

A gossip separates the closest of friends. 

29 A violent person misleads his neighbor 

and leads him on a path that is not good. 

30 Whoever winks his eye is plotting something devious. 

Whoever bites his lips has finished his evil work. 

31 Silver hair is a beautiful crown found in a righteous life. 

32 Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero. 

Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city. 

33 The dice are thrown, 

but the Lord determines every outcome. 

1 The reflections of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,

but the Lord evaluates the motives.

3 Commit your activities to the Lord,

and your plans will be achieved.

4 The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose—

even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;

be assured, he will not go unpunished.

6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,

and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice.

9 A man’s heart plans his way,

but the Lord determines his steps.

10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;

his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.

11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;

all the weights in the bag are His concern.

12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,

since a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,

but a wise man appeases it.

15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life;

his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

16 Get wisdom—

how much better it is than gold!

And get understanding—

it is preferable to silver.

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life.

18 Pride comes before destruction,

and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble

than to divide plunder with the proud.

20 The one who understands a matter finds success,

and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech increases learning.

22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23 A wise heart instructs its mouth

and increases learning with its speech.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:

sweet to the taste 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

because his hunger urges him on.

27 A worthless man digs up evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A contrary man spreads conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends.

29 A violent man lures his neighbor,

leading him in a way that is not good.

30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;

the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;

it is found in the way of righteousness.

32 Patience is better than power,

and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.

1 The plans of the mind belong to mortals,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All one’s ways may be pure in one’s 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 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord;

be assured, they will not go unpunished.

6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.

7 When the ways of people please the Lord,

he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.

8 Better is a little with righteousness

than large income with injustice.

9 The human mind plans the way,

but the Lord directs the steps.

10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king;

his mouth does not sin in judgment.

11 Honest balances 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 those who speak what is right.

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,

and whoever is wise 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 avoids evil;

those who guard their way preserve their lives.

18 Pride goes before destruction

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor

than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,

and happy are those who trust in the Lord.

21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,

and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,

but folly is the punishment of fools.

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious

and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

25 Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,

but in the end it is the way to death.

26 The appetite of workers works for them;

their hunger urges them on.

27 Scoundrels concoct evil,

and their speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse person spreads strife,

and a whisperer separates close friends.

29 The violent entice their neighbors

and lead them in a way that is not good.

30 One who winks the eyes plans perverse things;

one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained in a righteous life.

32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but the decision is the Lord’s alone.

1 To mortals belong the plans of the heart,

but from Yahweh comes the answer of the tongue.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

but Yahweh weighs the spirit.

3 Commit your work to Yahweh,

and your plans will be established.

4 All Yahweh has made is for his purpose,

and even the wicked for the day of trouble.

5 An abomination of Yahweh are all who are arrogant of heart;

rest assured, he will not go unpunished.

6 By loyalty and faithfulness, iniquity will be covered over,

and by fear of Yahweh one turns from evil.

7 When the ways of a man are pleasing to Yahweh,

even his enemies he will cause to make peace with him.

8 Better is little with righteousness

than great income with no justice.

9 The mind of a person will plan his ways,

and Yahweh will direct his steps.

10 A decision is upon the lips of a king;

in judgment his mouth will not sin.

11 A balance and scales of justice belong to Yahweh;

all the weights of the bag are his work.

12 An abomination to kings is doing evil,

for by righteousness the throne will be established.

13 The delight of kings are the lips of righteousness,

and he who speaks what is upright he will love.

14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death,

but one who is wise will appease it.

15 In the light of the face of the king there is life,

and his favor is like a cloud of spring rain.

16 Getting wisdom: how much better than gold!

And getting understanding: it is chosen over silver.

17 The highway of the upright, it turns from evil,

he who guards himself keeps his way.

18 Before destruction comes pride,

and before a fall, a haughty spirit.

19 Better a lowly spirit with the poor

than dividing the spoil with the proud.

20 He who is attentive to a matter will find goodness,

and he who trusts in Yahweh, his own happiness.

21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,

but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.

22 A fountain of life is wisdom for its owner,

but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise will make his mouth judicious,

and upon his lips, it will add persuasiveness.

24 Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems upright to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

26 The life of a worker works for him,

for his hunger urges him.

27 A man of wickedness concocts evil,

and his lips are like a scorching fire.

28 A person of perversity will spread dissent,

and he who whispers separates a close friend.

29 A person of violence will entice his neighbor

and cause him to walk on a way that is not good.

30 He who winks his eyes does so in order to plan perverse things;

he who purses his lips will bring evil to pass.

31 A crown of glory is gray hair;

by a righteous life it is gained.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than him who is mighty,

and he who controls his spirit than him who captures a city.

33 The lot will be cast into the lap,

but all of its decisions are from Yahweh.

1 People make plans in their hearts.

But the Lord controls what they say.

2 Everything a man does might seem right to him.

But the Lord knows what that man is thinking.

3 Commit to the Lord everything you do.

Then your plans will succeed.

4 The Lord works everything out for his own purposes.

Even those who do wrong were made for a day of trouble.

5 The Lord hates all those who have proud hearts.

You can be sure that they will be punished.

6 Through love and truth sin is paid for.

People avoid evil when they have respect for the Lord.

7 When the way you live pleases the Lord,

he makes even your enemies live at peace with you.

8 It is better to have a little and do right

than to have a lot and be unfair.

9 In your heart you plan your life.

But the Lord decides where your steps will take you.

10 A king might speak as if his words come from God.

But what he says should not turn right into wrong.

11 Honest scales and balances come from the Lord.

He made all of the weights in the bag.

12 A king hates it when his people do what is wrong.

A ruler is made secure when they do what is right.

13 Kings are pleased when what you say is honest.

They value people who speak the truth.

14 An angry king can order your death.

But a wise man will try to calm him down.

15 When a king’s face is happy, it means life.

His favor is like rain in the spring.

16 It is much better to get wisdom than gold.

It is much better to choose understanding than silver.

17 The path of honest people takes them away from evil.

Those who guard their ways guard their lives.

18 If you are proud, you will be destroyed.

If you are proud, you will fall.

19 Suppose you are lowly in spirit and are with those who are beaten down.

That’s better than sharing stolen goods with those who are proud.

20 If anyone pays attention to what he is taught, he will succeed.

Blessed is the person who puts his trust in the Lord.

21 Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right.

Pleasant words make people want to learn more.

22 Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it.

But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do.

23 The hearts of wise people guide their mouths.

Their words make people want to learn more.

24 Pleasant words are like honey.

They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.

25 There is a way that may seem right to a man.

But in the end it leads to death.

26 The hunger of a worker makes him work.

His hunger drives him on.

27 A worthless man plans to do evil things.

His words are like a burning fire.

28 A twisted person stirs up fights.

Anyone who talks about others comes between close friends.

29 A man who wants to hurt others tries to get them to sin.

He leads them down a path that isn’t good.

30 When he winks with his eyes, he is planning to do wrong.

When his lips are tightly closed, he is up to no good.

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown.

You get it by living the right way.

32 It is better to be patient than to fight.

It is better to control your temper than to take a city.

33 Lots are cast into the lap to make decisions.

But everything they decide comes from the Lord.

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 clean in his own sight,

But the Lord weighs the motives.

3 Commit your works to the Lord

And your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose,

Even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;

Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,

And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.

7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness

Than great income with injustice.

9 The mind of man plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king;

His mouth should not err in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord;

All the weights of the bag are His concern.

12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,

For a throne is established on righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,

And he who speaks right is loved.

14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death,

But a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of a king’s face is life,

And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;

He who watches his way preserves his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly

Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who gives attention to the word will find good,

And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,

And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,

But the discipline of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth

And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way which seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

26 A worker’s appetite works for him,

For his hunger urges him on.

27 A worthless man digs up evil,

While his words are like scorching fire.

28 A perverse man spreads strife,

And a slanderer separates intimate friends.

29 A man of violence entices his neighbor

And leads him in a way that is not good.

30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things;

He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.

31 A gray head is a crown of glory;

It is found in the way of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every decision is from the Lord.