Proverbs 16 (New International Version, ©2010) Proverbs 16 1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. 4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster. 5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. 7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. 8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. 9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. 10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. 11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making. 12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. 14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. 15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives. 18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. 20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a] and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.[b] 22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. 23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.[c] 24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. 26 The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on. 27 A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. 29 A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. 30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. 32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Footnotes: a.Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds

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