Proverbs 16

1 The plans of the heart belong to a person, but from Yahweh comes the answer from his tongue.⋮

2 All of a person's ways are pure in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the spirits.⋮

3 Commit your works to Yahweh and your plans will succeed.⋮

4 Yahweh has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.⋮

5 Yahweh hates everyone who has an arrogant heart, but be sure of this, they will not go unpunished.⋮

6 By covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness iniquity is atoned for and by the fear of Yahweh people turn away from evil.⋮

7 When a person's ways are pleasing to Yahweh, he makes even that person's enemies to be at peace with him.⋮

8 Better is a little with what is right, than a large income with injustice.⋮

9 In his heart a person plans out his way, but Yahweh directs his steps.⋮

10 Insightful decisions are on the lips of a king, his mouth should not betray justice.⋮

11 Honest scales come from Yahweh; all the weights in the bag are his work.⋮

12 When kings do wicked things, that is something to be despised, for a throne is established by doing what is right.⋮

13 A king delights in lips that say what is right and he loves the one who speaks directly.⋮

14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death but a wise man will try to calm his anger.⋮

15 In the light of a king's face is life and his favor is like a cloud that brings a spring rain.⋮

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. To get understanding should be chosen more than silver.⋮

17 The highway of upright people turns away from evil; the one who protects his life guards his way.⋮

18 Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a downfall.⋮

19 It is better to be humble among poor people than to divide the spoil with proud people.⋮

20 Whoever contemplates what they are taught will find what is good, and those who trust in Yahweh will be blessed.⋮

21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning and sweetness of speech improves the ability to teach.⋮

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but the instruction of fools is their foolishness.⋮

23 The heart of a wise person gives insight to his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.⋮

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.⋮

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.⋮

26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger urges him on.⋮

27 A worthless person digs up mischief and his speech is like a scorching fire.⋮

28 A perverse person stirs up conflict and a gossip separates close friends.⋮

29 A man of violence lies to his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.⋮

30 The one who winks the eye is plotting perverse things; those who purse the lips will bring evil to pass.⋮

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living the right way.⋮

32 It is better to be slow to anger than to be a warrior and one who rules his spirit is stronger than one who conquers a city.⋮

33 The lots are cast into the lap, but the decision is from Yahweh.⋮