Proverbs 16

1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.footnote a

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

3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.footnote b

4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.footnote c

6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

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

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

9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.footnote d

11A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.footnote e

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

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

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

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

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

20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.footnote f

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.footnote g

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

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

26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.footnote hfootnote i

27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.footnote j

28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.footnote k

29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

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

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

33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD

1The plans of the heart belong to man,but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.

2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes,but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.

3Commit your works to the LORDand your plans will be achieved.

4The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD;be assured that he will not go unpunished.

6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD,He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

8Better a little with righteousnessthan great gain with injustice.

9A man’s heart plans his course,but the LORD determines his steps.

10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king;his mouth must not betray justice.

11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;all the weights in the bag are His concern.

12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings,for a throne is established through righteousness.

13Righteous lips are a king’s delight,and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death,but a wise man will pacify it.

15When a king’s face brightens, there is life;his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

17The highway of the upright leads away from evil;he who guards his way protects his life.

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

19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humblethan to divide the spoil with the proud.

20Whoever heeds instruction will find success,footnote aand blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21The wise in heart are called discerning,and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor,but the discipline of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouthand adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25There is a way that seems right to a man,but its end is the way of death.

26A worker’s appetite works for himbecause his hunger drives him onward.

27A worthless man digs up evil,and his speechfootnote bis like a scorching fire.

28A perverse man spreads dissension,and a gossip divides close friends.

29A violent man entices his neighborand leads him down a path that is not good.

30He who winks his eye devises perversity;he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;it is attained along the path of righteousness.

32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior,and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap,but its every decision is from the LORD.