Proverbs 16:1-18

1 The plans of the mind belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Every one who is arrogant is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
9 A man's mind plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16 To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Images for Proverbs 16:1-18

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.