Proverbs 16:8–11

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.