Proverbs 16:1-33 AMP

[1] The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the LORD. [2] All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the LORD weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. [3] Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. [4] The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil. [5] Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the LORD; Be assured he will not go unpunished. [6] By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear of the LORD one 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 income [gained] with injustice. [9] A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them. [10] A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment. [11] A just balance and [honest] scales are the LORD’S; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles]. [12] It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God). [13] Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved. [14] The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it. [15] In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain. [16] How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. [17] The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul). [18] Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant). [20] He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the LORD. [21] The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener]. [22] Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness. [23] The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips. [24] Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. [25] There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death. [26] The appetite of a worker works for him, For his hunger urges him on. [27] A worthless man devises and digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire. [28] A perverse man spreads strife, And one who gossips separates intimate friends. [29] A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin], And leads him in a way that is not good. [30] He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass. [31] The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. [32] He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city. [33] The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.