Proverbs 16 (Holman Christian Standard)

1 The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.^a 2 All a man's ways seem right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the motives.^{b c} 3 Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved.^d 4 The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose- even the wicked for the day of disaster.^e 5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;^f be assured,^g he will not go unpunished.^h 6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.ⁱ 7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He^j makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.^k 9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.^l 10 God's verdict is on the lips of a king;^{m n} his mouth should not err in judgment.^o 11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag^p are His concern.^q 12 Wicked behavior^r is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.^s 13 Righteous lips are a king's delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly. 14 A king's fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.^t 15 When a king's face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain. 16 Acquire wisdom- how much better it is than gold! And acquire understanding- it is preferable to silver.^u 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.^v 18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.^w 19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble^x than to divide plunder with the proud.^y 20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.^z 21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech^aa increases learning.^bb 22 Insight is a fountain of life^cc for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools. 23 A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.^{dd ee} 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste^ff and health to the body.^gghh 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it is the way of death.ⁱⁱ 26 A worker's appetite works for him because his hunger^jj urges him on. 27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.^kk 28 A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates friends.^ll 29 A violent man lures his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good.^mm 30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.ⁿⁿ 31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;^oo it is found in the way of righteousness. 32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper,^pp than capturing a city.^qq 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.^rr