Proverbs 16 / 31
- 1To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
- 2All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD .
- 3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
- 4The LORD works out everything for his own ends- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
- 5The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
- 6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
- 7When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD , he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
- 8Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
- 9In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
- 10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
- 11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD ; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
- 12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
- 13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.
- 14A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
- 15When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
- 16How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
- 17The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
- 18Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
- 19Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
- 20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD .
- 21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
- 22Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.
- 23A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
- 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
- 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
- 26The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
- 27A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
- 28A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
- 29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
- 30He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
- 31Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
- 32Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
- 33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD .