Proverbs 16:1-33 TPT
Proverbs 16:1-33 TPT [1] Go ahead and make all the plans you want, but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps. [2] We are all in love with our own opinions, convinced they’re correct. But the Lord is in the midst of us, testing and probing our every motive. [3] Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. [4] The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose. Even the wicked are included in his plans—he sets them aside for the day of disaster. [5] YAHWEH detests all the proud of heart, for pride attracts his punishment—and you can count on that! [6] You can avoid evil through surrendered worship and the fear of God, for the power of his faithful love removes sin’s guilt and grip over you. [7] When the Lord is pleased with the decisions you’ve made, he activates grace to turn enemies into friends. [8] It is better to have little with a heart that loves justice than to be rich and not have God on your side. [9] Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there. [10] A king speaks the revelation of truth, so he must be extraordinarily careful in the decrees that he makes. [11] The Lord expects you to be fair in every business deal, for he is the one who sets the standards for righteousness. [12] Kings and leaders despise wrongdoing, for the true authority to rule and reign is built on a foundation of righteousness. [13] Kings and leaders love to hear godly counsel, and they love those who tell them the truth. [14] The anger of a king releases the messenger of death, but a wise person will know how to pacify his wrath. [15] Life-giving light streams from the presence of a king, and his favor is showered upon those who please him. [16] Everyone wants gold, but wisdom’s worth is far greater. Silver is sought after, but a heart of understanding yields a greater return. [17] Repenting from evil places you on the highway of holiness. Protect purity and you protect your life. [18] Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift yourself up in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace. [19] It’s better to be meek and lowly and live among the poor than to live high and mighty among the rich and famous. [20] One skilled in business discovers prosperity, but the one who trusts in God is blessed beyond belief! [21] The one with a wise heart is called “discerning,” and speaking sweetly to others makes your teaching even more convincing. [22] Wisdom is a deep well of understanding opened up within you as a fountain of life for others, but it’s senseless to try to instruct a fool. [23] Winsome words pour from a heart of wisdom, adding value to all you teach. [24] Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits. [25] Before every person there is a path that seems like the right one to take, but it leads straight to hell! [26] Life motivation comes from the deep longings of the heart, and the passion to see them fulfilled urges you onward. [27] A wicked scoundrel wants to dig up dirt on others, only to spread slander and shred their reputation. [28] A twisted person spreads rumors; a whispering gossip ruins good friendships. [29] A vicious criminal can be persuasive, enticing others to join him as partners in crime, but he leads them all down a despicable path. [30] It’s easy to tell when a wicked man is hatching some crooked scheme—it’s written all over his face. His looks betray him as he gives birth to his sin. [31] Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it. [32] Do you want to be a mighty warrior? It’s better to be known as one who is patient and slow to anger. Do you want to conquer a city? Rule over your temper before you attempt to rule a city. [33] We may toss the coin and roll the dice, but God’s will is greater than luck.
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