Proverbs 16:1-33 NIrV

[1] People make plans in their hearts. But the LORD puts the correct answer on their tongues. [2] Everything a person does might seem pure to them. But the LORD knows why they do what they do. [3] Commit to the LORD everything you do. Then he will make your plans succeed. [4] The LORD works everything out to the proper end. Even those who do wrong were made for a day of trouble. [5] The LORD hates all those who have proud hearts. You can be sure that they will be punished. [6] Through love and truth sin is paid for. People avoid evil when they have respect for the LORD. [7] When the way you live pleases the LORD, he makes even your enemies live at peace with you. [8] It is better to have a little and do right than to have a lot and be unfair. [9] In their hearts human beings plan their lives. But the LORD decides where their steps will take them. [10] A king speaks as if his words come from God. And what he says does not turn right into wrong. [11] Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD. He made all the weights in the bag. [12] A king hates it when his people do what is wrong. A ruler is made secure when they do what is right. [13] Kings are pleased when what you say is honest. They value people who speak what is right. [14] An angry king can order your death. But a wise person will try to calm him down. [15] When a king’s face is happy, it means life. His favor is like rain in the spring. [16] It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver. [17] The path of honest people takes them away from evil. Those who guard their ways guard their lives. [18] If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall. [19] Suppose you are lowly in spirit along with those who are treated badly. That’s better than sharing stolen goods with those who are proud. [20] If anyone pays attention to what they’re taught, they will succeed. Blessed is the person who trusts in the LORD. [21] Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right. Kind words make people want to learn more. [22] Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it. But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do. [23] The hearts of wise people guide their mouths. Their words make people want to learn more. [24] Kind words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body. [25] There is a way that appears to be right. But in the end it leads to death. [26] The hunger of workers makes them work. Their hunger drives them on. [27] A worthless person plans to do evil things. Their words are like a burning fire. [28] A twisted person stirs up conflict. Anyone who talks about others separates close friends. [29] A person who wants to hurt others tries to get them to sin. That person leads them down a path that isn’t good. [30] Whoever winks with their eye is planning to do wrong. Whoever closes their lips tightly is up to no good. [31] Gray hair is a glorious crown. You get it by living the right way. [32] It is better to be patient than to fight. It is better to control your temper than to take a city. [33] Lots are cast into the lap to make decisions. But everything they decide comes from the LORD.