Proverbs 16

The Lord Has the Final Word

1We humans make plans,

but the Lord

has the final word.

2We may think we know

what is right,

but the Lord is the judge

of our motives.

3Share your plans with the Lord,

and you will succeed.

4The Lord has a reason

for everything he does,

and he lets evil people live

only to be punished.

5The Lord doesn't like

anyone who is conceited—

you can be sure

they will be punished.

6 # Tb 12.9. If we truly love God,

our sins will be forgiven;

if we show him respect,

we will keep away from sin.

7When we please the Lord,

even our enemies

make friends with us.

8 # Tb 12.8. It's better to be honest

and poor

than to be dishonest

and rich.

9We make our own plans,

but the Lord decides

where we will go.

10Rulers speak with authority

and are never wrong.

11The Lord watches to see

if we are fair

or if we cheat others.

12Justice makes rulers powerful.

They should hate evil

13and like honesty and truth.

14An angry ruler

can put you to death.

So be wise!

Don't make one angry.

15When a ruler is happy

and pleased with you,

it's like refreshing rain,

and you will live.

16It's much better to be wise

and sensible

than to be rich.

17God's people avoid evil ways,

and they protect themselves

by watching where they go.

18Too much pride

will destroy you.

19You are better off

to be humble and poor

than to get rich

from what you take by force.

20If you know what you're doing,#16.20 know what … doing: Or “do what you're taught.”

you will prosper.

God blesses everyone

who trusts him.

21Good judgment proves

that you are wise,

and if you speak kindly,

you can teach others.

22Good sense is a fountain

that gives life,

but fools are punished

by their foolishness.

23You can persuade others

if you are wise

and speak sensibly.

24Kind words are like honey—

they cheer you up

and make you feel strong.

25 # Pr 14.12. Sometimes what seems right

is really a road to death.

26The hungrier you are,

the harder you work.

27Worthless people plan trouble.

Even their words burn

like a flaming fire.

28 # Si 28.13-26. Gossip is no good!

It causes hard feelings

and comes between friends.

29Don't trust violent people.

They will mislead you

to do the wrong thing.

30When someone winks

or grins behind your back,

trouble is on the way.

31Gray hair is a glorious crown

worn by those

who have lived right.

32Controlling your temper

is better than being a hero

who captures a city.

33We make our own decisions,

but the Lord alone

determines what happens.

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Proverbs 16

Wisdom’s Blessings Come from the LORD

1The plans of the heart belong to humans,

but an answer on the tongue comes from the Lord.

2A person thinks all his ways are pure,

but the Lord weighs motives.

3Entrust your efforts to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

4The Lord has made everything for his own purpose,

even wicked people for the day of trouble.

5Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the Lord.

Certainly, ⌞such a person⌟ will not go unpunished.

6By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the Lord.

By the fear of the Lord, evil is avoided.

7When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better a few ⌞possessions⌟ gained honestly

than many gained through injustice.

9A person may plan his own journey,

but the Lord directs his steps.

10When a divine revelation is on a king’s lips,

he cannot voice a wrong judgment.

11Honest balances and scales belong to the Lord.

He made the entire set of weights.

12Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings

because a throne is established through righteousness.

13Kings are happy with honest words,

and whoever speaks what is right is loved.

14A king’s anger announces death,

but a wise man makes peace with him.

15When the king is cheerful, there is life,

and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain.

16How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold,

and the gaining of understanding should be chosen over silver.

17The highway of decent people turns away from evil.

Whoever watches his way preserves his own life.

18Pride precedes a disaster,

and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall.

19Better to be humble with lowly people

than to share stolen goods with arrogant people.

20Whoever gives attention to the Lord’s word prospers,

and blessed is the person who trusts the Lord.

21The person who is truly wise is called understanding,

and speaking sweetly helps others learn.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it,

but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity.

23A wise person’s heart controls his speech,

and what he says helps others learn.

24Pleasant words are ⌞like⌟ honey from a honeycomb—

sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.

Words of Advice to a Wise Son

25There is a way that seems right to a person,

but eventually it ends in death.

26A laborer’s appetite works to his advantage,

because his hunger drives him on.

27A worthless person plots trouble,

and his speech is like a burning fire.

28A devious person spreads quarrels.

A gossip separates the closest of friends.

29A violent person misleads his neighbor

and leads him on a path that is not good.

30Whoever winks his eye is plotting something devious.

Whoever bites his lips has finished his evil work.

31Silver hair is a beautiful crown found in a righteous life.

32Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero.

Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city.

33The dice are thrown,

but the Lord determines every outcome.

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