Proverbs 16

1People make the plans in their minds, but the right answer comes from the LORD. 2People think all their ways are pure, but the LORD weighs the motives. 3Hand over what you do to the LORD, and your plans will stand firm. 4The LORD has made everything for its own end, even the wicked for the day of disaster. 5The LORD detests all the proud of heart; be sure of it, they will not escape punishment. 6Loyal love and faithfulness make amends for wrong, and through the fear of the LORD people turn away from evil. 7When the LORD is pleased with how someone lives, he makes even their enemies make peace with them. 8Better a little gained honestly than a fortune made by injustice. 9People plot their course in their minds, but it is the LORD who guides their steps. 10A king’s words are like an oracle; when he gives judgment, his mouth should not go wrong. 11Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; every weight in the bag is his concern. 12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is made secure by righteousness. 13Kings take pleasure in honest speech; they value the one who speaks what is right. 14A king’s anger is a messenger of death, but a wise person will calm it. 15When the king’s face shines with favor, there is life, and his goodwill is like a rain cloud in spring. 16How much better to gain wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! 17The highway of the upright avoids evil; whoever watches their step protects their life. 18Pride comes first, then the crash; a haughty spirit, then the fall. 19Better to be humble and live among the lowly than to share the spoils with the proud. 20Whoever heeds instruction will prosper, and how blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD! 21The wise in heart are known for their discernment, and pleasant words make teaching more persuasive. 22Good sense is a spring of life to those who have it, but folly is the punishment of fools. 23A wise heart guides the mouth and makes the lips more persuasive. 24Kind words are a honeycomb, sweet to taste and health for the body. 25There is a road that seems right to a person, but where it ends is death. 26A worker’s hunger works for him; his mouth drives him on. 27A scoundrel digs up trouble, and their talk is like a scorching fire. 28A twisted person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. 29A violent person lures a neighbor and leads them down a bad road. 30Someone who winks is plotting something twisted; someone who purses the lips has already done harm. 31Gray hair is a glorious crown, won by living a righteous life. 32Patience is worth more than a warrior’s strength, and self-control more than conquering a city. 33The lot is tossed into the lap, but how it falls is decided by the LORD.