Proverbs 16:1-33 ESV

[1] The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. [2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. [3] Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. [4] The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. [5] Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. [6] By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from 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 revenues with injustice. [9] The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. [10] An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. [11] A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work. [12] It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. [13] Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. [14] A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. [15] In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. [16] How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. [17] The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. [18] Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. [20] Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. [21] The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. [22] Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. [23] The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. [24] Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. [25] There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. [26] A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. [27] A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. [28] A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. [29] A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. [30] Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass. [31] Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. [32] Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.