Proverbs 16

  1. Verse 1. The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
  2. Verse 2. All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
  3. Verse 3. Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.
  4. Verse 4. The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.
  5. Verse 5. Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
  6. Verse 6. By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
  7. Verse 7. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
  8. Verse 8. Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
  9. Verse 9. A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
  10. Verse 10. A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.
  11. Verse 11. Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
  12. Verse 12. Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
  13. Verse 13. Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
  14. Verse 14. The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
  15. Verse 15. When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
  16. Verse 16. How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
  17. Verse 17. The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
  18. Verse 18. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
  19. Verse 19. It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
  20. Verse 20. Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
  21. Verse 21. The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
  22. Verse 22. Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
  23. Verse 23. The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
  24. Verse 24. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
  25. Verse 25. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
  26. Verse 26. A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
  27. Verse 27. A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
  28. Verse 28. A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
  29. Verse 29. A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
  30. Verse 30. He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
  31. Verse 31. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
  32. Verse 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.
  33. Verse 33. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.