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