Proverbs 16:1-33 NIV

Proverbs 16:1-33 NIV [1] To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. [2] All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. [3] Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. [4] The LORD works out everything to its proper end—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 evil is avoided. [7] When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. [8] Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. [9] In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. [10] The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. [11] Honest scales and balances belong to 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 the one who speaks what is right. [14] A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise 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 get insight rather than silver! [17] The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives. [18] Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. [20] Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. [21] The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. [22] Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. [23] The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. [24] Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. [25] There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. [26] The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on. [27] A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. [28] A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. [29] A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. [30] Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. [31] Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. [32] Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

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