Proverbs 16

1Mortals may arrange their thoughts,But what they say depends on GOD.

2People look approvingly on their own ways,But GOD probes motives.

3Entrust your affairs to GOD,And your plans will succeed.

4GOD made everything for a purpose,Even the wicked for an evil day.

5Everyone haughty is an abomination to GOD;Assuredly, they will not go unpunished.

6Iniquity is expiated by loyalty and faithfulness,And evil is avoided through fear of GOD.

7GOD, when pleased with someone’s conduct,May turn even their enemies into allies.

8Better a little with righteousnessThan a large income with injustice.

9Mortals may plot out their course,But it is GOD who directs their steps.

10There is magic on the lips of the king;He cannot err in judgment.

11Honest scales and balances are GOD’s,Whose work includes all the weights in the bag.

12Wicked deeds are an abomination to kings,For the throne is established by righteousness.

13Truthful speech wins the favor of kings;They love those who speak honestly.

14The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,But a man who is wise can appease it.

15The king’s smile means life;His favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold;To acquire understanding is preferable to silver.

17The highway of the upright avoids evil;Those who would preserve their lives watch their way.

18Pride goes before ruin,Arrogance, before failure.

19Better to be humble and among the lowlyThan to share spoils with the proud.

20One who is adept in a matter will attain success;Happy is the one who trusts in GOD.

21The wise-hearted are called discerning;Those whose speech is pleasing gain wisdom.

22Good sense is a fountain of life to those who have it,And folly is the punishment of fools.

23The mind of the wise makes their speech effectiveAnd increases the wisdom on their lips.

24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,Sweet to the palate and a cure for the body.

25The road ahead may seem right,But in the end it can be a road to death.

26The appetite of laborers labors for them,Because their hunger forces them on.

27A worthless man plots evil;What is on his lips is like a scorching fire.

28A shifty man stirs up strife,And a querulous one alienates his friend.

29A lawless man misleads his friend,Making him take the wrong way.

30He closes his eyes while meditating deception;He purses his lips while deciding upon evil.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;It is attained by the way of righteousness.

32Better to be forbearing than mighty,To have self-control than to conquer a city.

33Lots are cast into the lap;The decision depends on GOD.