Proverbs 16

16:1

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

16:2

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

16:3

Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.

16:4

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

16:5

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

16:6

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

16:7

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

16:8

Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.

16:9

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

16:10

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

16:11

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

16:12

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

16:13

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

16:14

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

16:15

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

16:16

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

16:17

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

16:18

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

16:19

It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

16:20

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

16:21

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

16:22

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

16:23

The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

16:24

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

16:25

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

16:26

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

16:27

A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

16:28

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

16:29

A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

16:30

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

16:31

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

16:32

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

16:33

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