Proverbs 16:1–23

The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.c

2 All a person’s ways seem right to him,

but the Lord weighs motives.E,d

3 Commit your activities to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.e

4 The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose—

even the wicked for the day of disaster.f

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

be assured,A he will not go unpunished.h

6 Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,i

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

7 When a person’s ways please the Lord,

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

8 Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice.l

9 A person’s heart plans his way,

but the Lord determines his steps.m

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

his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.o

11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;

all the weights in the bag are his concern.p

12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,q

since a throne is established through righteousness.r

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 person appeases it.s

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.t

17 The highway of the uprightu avoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life.v

18 Pride comes before destruction,

and an arrogant spirit before a fall.w

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humbleC,x

than to divide plunder with the proud.y

20 The one who understands a matter finds success,z

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

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speechA increases learning.ab

22 Insight is a fountain of lifeac for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23 The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;

it adds learning to his speech.B,ad