Chapter 16
1 The plans of the heart belong to man , but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD .
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes , but the LORD weighs the motives .
3 Commit your deeds to the LORD , and your plans shall succeed.
4 The LORD has made everything for its own end— yes , even the wicked for the day of evil .
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD ; they shall certainly not be unpunished .
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for . By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil .
7 When a man’s ways please the LORD , he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him .
8 Better is a little with righteousness , than great revenues with injustice .
9 A man ’s heart plans his course , but the LORD directs his steps .
10 Inspired judgements are on the lips of the king . He shall not betray his mouth .
11 Honest balances and scales are the LORD ’s; all the weights in the bag are his work .
12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness .
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings . They value one who speaks the truth.
14 The king ’s wrath is a messenger of death , but a wise man will pacify it .
15 In the light of the king ’s face is life . His favour is like a cloud of the spring rain .
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold ! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver .
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil . He who keeps his way preserves his soul .
18 Pride goes before destruction , and an arrogant spirit before a fall .
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor , than to divide the plunder with the proud .
20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity . Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction .
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth , and adds learning to his lips .
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb , sweet to the soul , and health to the bones .
25 There is a way which seems right to a man , but in the end it leads to death .
26 The appetite of the labouring man labours for him , for his mouth urges him on .
27 A worthless man devises mischief . His speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up strife . A whisperer separates close friends .
29 A man of violence entices his neighbour , and leads him in a way that is not good .
30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips , is bent on evil .
31 Grey hair is a crown of glory . It is attained by a life of righteousness .
32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty ; one who rules his spirit , than he who takes a city .
33 The lot is cast into the lap , but its every decision is from the LORD .