Proverbs 16:1-16

People may make plans in their minds, but only the LORD can make them come true. You may believe you are doing right, but the LORD will judge your reasons. Depend on the LORD in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD makes everything go as he pleases. He has even prepared a day of disaster for evil people. The LORD hates those who are proud. They will surely be punished. Love and truth bring forgiveness of sin. By respecting the LORD you will avoid evil. When people live so that they please the LORD, even their enemies will make peace with them. It is better to be poor and right than to be wealthy and dishonest. People may make plans in their minds, but the LORD decides what they will do. The words of a king are like a message from God, so his decisions should be fair. The LORD wants honest balances and scales; all the weights are his work. Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair. Kings like honest people; they value someone who speaks the truth. An angry king can put someone to death, so a wise person will try to make him happy. A smiling king can give people life; his kindness is like a spring shower. It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver!