Proverbs 16

1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

2All a man's ways are pure in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the spirits.

3Commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans will be established.

4Yahweh has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

6By steadfast love and faithfulness, iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of Yahweh one turns away from evil.

7When a man's ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.

8Better a little with righteousness than great income without justice.

9A man's heart plans his way, but Yahweh establishes his steps.

10An oracle is on the lips of a king; in judgment his mouth does not act treacherously.

11A just balance and scales belong to Yahweh; all the weights in the bag are his work.

12It is an abomination for kings to do wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and a king loves one who speaks what is upright.

14A king’s wrath means messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.

15In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like a cloud of late-season rain.

16To acquire wisdom—how much better than gold! And acquiring understanding is preferable to silver.

17The highway of the upright turns away from evil; he who guards his life watches over his way.

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

19Better to be lowly in spirit with the poor than to divide plunder with the proud.

20Whoever gives careful attention to a matter will find what is good, and blessed is he who trusts in Yahweh.

21The wise in heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech adds persuasiveness.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

23The heart of a wise man makes his mouth discerning, and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24Pleasant words are honey from the comb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

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

26A laborer’s appetite makes him labor, for his mouth urges him on.

27A worthless man digs up evil, and something like a scorching fire is on his lips.

28A perverse man stirs up strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.

30He who shuts his eyes to devise perverse things and purses his lips brings evil to completion.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness.

32Better is one who is slow to anger than a mighty man, and one who rules his spirit than one who captures a city.

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