Proverbs 16 (New International Version)

1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.¹ 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,² but motives are weighed³ by the LORD.⁴ 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.⁵ 4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends⁶-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.⁷ 5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.⁸ Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.⁹ 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD¹⁰ a man avoids evil.¹¹ 7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace¹² with him.¹³ 8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain¹⁴ with injustice.¹⁵ 9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.¹⁶ 10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.¹⁷ 11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.¹⁸ 12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.¹⁹ 13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.²⁰ 14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,²¹ but a wise man will appease it.²² 15 When a king's face brightens, it means life;²³ his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.²⁴ 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding²⁵ rather than silver!²⁶ 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.²⁷ 18 Pride²⁸ goes before destruction, a haughty spirit²⁹ before a fall.³⁰ 19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. 20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,³¹ and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.³² 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.^a33 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,³⁴ but folly brings punishment to fools. 23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth,³⁵ and his lips promote instruction.^b36 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,³⁷ sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.³⁸ 25 There is a way that seems right to a man,³⁹ but in the end it leads to death.⁴⁰ 26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. 27 A scoundrel⁴¹ plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.⁴² 28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,⁴³ and a gossip separates close friends.⁴⁴ 29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.⁴⁵ 30 He who winks⁴⁶ with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;⁴⁷ it is attained by a righteous life. 32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast⁴⁸ into the lap, but its every decision⁴⁹ is from the LORD.⁵⁰