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Proverbs 16

16
1People may make plans in their minds,
but only the Lord can make them come true.
2You may believe you are doing right,
but the Lord will judge your reasons.
3Depend on the Lord in whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
4The Lord makes everything go as he pleases.
He has even prepared a day of disaster for evil people.
5The Lord hates those who are proud.
They will surely be punished.
6Love and truth bring forgiveness of sin.
By respecting the Lord you will avoid evil.
7When people live so that they please the Lord,
even their enemies will make peace with them.
8It is better to be poor and right
than to be wealthy and dishonest.
9People may make plans in their minds,
but the Lord decides what they will do.
10The words of a king are like a message from God,
so his decisions should be fair.
11The Lord wants honest balances and scales;
all the weights are his work.
12Kings hate those who do wrong,
because governments only continue if they are fair.
13Kings like honest people;
they value someone who speaks the truth.
14An angry king can put someone to death,
so a wise person will try to make him happy.
15A smiling king can give people life;
his kindness is like a spring shower.
16It is better to get wisdom than gold,
and to choose understanding rather than silver!
17Good people stay away from evil.
By watching what they do, they protect their lives.
18Pride leads to destruction;
a proud attitude brings ruin.
19It is better to be humble and be with those who suffer
than to share stolen property with the proud.
20Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed,
and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy.
21The wise are known for their understanding.
Their pleasant words make them better teachers.
22Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it,
but foolishness brings punishment to fools.
23Wise people’s minds tell them what to say,
and that helps them be better teachers.
24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
making people happy and healthy.
25Some people think they are doing right,
but in the end it leads to death.
26The workers’ hunger helps them,
because their desire to eat makes them work.
27Useless people make evil plans,
and their words are like a burning fire.
28A useless person causes trouble,
and a gossip ruins friendships.
29Cruel people trick their neighbors
and lead them to do wrong.
30Someone who winks is planning evil,
and the one who grins is planning something wrong.
31Gray hair is like a crown of honor;
it is earned by living a good life.
32Patience is better than strength.
Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city.
33People throw lots to make a decision,
but the answer comes from the Lord.

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Proverbs 16: NCV

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