Proverbs 16

16The reflections of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. ^p

²All a man’s ways seem right to him,

but the Lord evaluates the motives. ^qr

³Commit your activities to the Lord,

and your plans will be achieved. ^s

⁴The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose—

even the wicked for the day of disaster. ^t

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

be assured, ^vhe will not go unpunished. ^w

⁶Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, ^x

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

⁷When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He ^zmakes even his enemies to be at peace with him. ^a

⁸Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice. ^b

⁹A man’s heart plans his way,

but the Lord determines his steps. ^c

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

his mouth should not give an unfair judgment. ^f

¹¹Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;

all the weights in the bag ^gare His concern. ^h

¹²Wicked behavior ⁱis detestable to kings, ^j

since a throne is established through righteousness. ^k

¹³Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he loves one who speaks honestly.

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

but a wise man appeases it. ^l

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

his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

¹⁶Get wisdom—

how much better it is than gold!

And get understanding—

it is preferable to silver. ^m

¹⁷The highway of the upright ⁿavoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life. ^o

¹⁸Pride comes before destruction,

and an arrogant spirit before a fall. ^p

¹⁹Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble ^qr

than to divide plunder with the proud. ^s

²⁰The one who understands a matter finds success, ^t

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

²¹Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech ^vincreases learning. ^w

²²Insight is a fountain of life ^xfor its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

²³A wise heart instructs its mouth

and increases learning with its speech. ^yz

²⁴Pleasant words are a honeycomb: ^a

sweet to the taste ^band health to the body. ^cd

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

but its end is the way to death. ^e

²⁶A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger ^furges him on.

²⁷A worthless man digs up evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire. ^g

²⁸A contrary man spreads conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends. ^h

²⁹A violent man lures his neighbor, ⁱ

leading him in a way that is not good. ^j

³⁰The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;

the one who compresses his lips brings about evil. ^k

³¹Gray hair is a glorious crown; ^l

it is found in the way of righteousness. ^m

³²Patience is better than power,

and controlling one’s temper, ⁿthan capturing a city. ^o

³³The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord. ^p