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Proverbs chapter 16

English Standard Version

1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. 3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. 5Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. 7When a man 's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. 11 A just balance and scales are the Lord 's; all the weights in the bag are his work. 12It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. 14 A king 's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of a king 's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 26A worker 's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. 27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 29A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. 30Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. 32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
New International Version

1To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
4The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
7When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
11Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.
14A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
15When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
17The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
21The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
26The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.
27A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
30Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
New American Standard Bible

1The plans of the heart belong to a person, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, But the Lord examines the motives. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your plans will be established. 4The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Be assured, he will not go unpunished. 6By mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. 7When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him. 8Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. 9The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 10A divine verdict is on the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. 11A just balance and scales belong to the Lord; All the weights of the bag are His concern. 12It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, Because a throne is established on righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And one who speaks right is loved. 14The fury of a king is like messengers of death; But a wise person will appease it. 15In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. 16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. 17The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; One who watches his way protects his life. 18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19It is better to be humble in spirit with the needy Than to divide the spoils with the proud. 20One who pays attention to the word will find good, And blessed is one who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. 22Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, But the discipline of fools is foolishness. 23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25There is a way which seems right to a person, But its end is the way of death. 26A worker’s appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on. 27A worthless person digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. 28A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends. 29A person of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good. 30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass. 31A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. 32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.
Christian Standard Bible

1The reflections of the heart belong to mankind, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs motives.
3Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.
5Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.
7When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.
9A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.
10God’s verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.
11Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his concern.
12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.
13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.
14A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.
15When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.
16Get wisdom— how much better it is than gold! And get understanding— it is preferable to silver.
17The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.
18Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.
20The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.
21Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.
22Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.
25There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.
26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger urges him on.
27A worthless person digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him on a path that is not good.
30The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.
31Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the ways of righteousness.
32Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
New Living Translation

1We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
2People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
3Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
4The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.
6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.
7When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.
8Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.
9We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
10The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.
11The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.
12A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.
13The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
14The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.
15When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
18Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
19Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
20Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
21The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.
22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
24Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
26It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
27Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.
28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path.
30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
32Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
King James Version

1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
3Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
7When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
11A just weight and balance are the Lord'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.
12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
New King James Version

1The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. 4The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. 6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. 7When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 10Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; All the weights in the bag are His work. 12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. 14As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 21The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. 24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 26The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. 27An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. 30He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil. 31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

What does Proverbs chapter 16 mean?

This chapter of Proverbs continues recording Solomon's concise statements of wisdom. This began in chapter 10.

This segment begins with a discussion of man's plans. Human nature can lead us to arrogance and ignorance. Failure to seek God's will or examine our own motives can lead to disaster. Despite what a person might tell themselves, the Lord sees the heart, weighs the spirit, and determines what will happen. The Lord is sovereign; He has a purpose for everything He created. God detests arrogance—spiritual pride that causes a person to reject God—but is pleased when one turns away from evil. Godly wisdom is better than any material wealth (Proverbs 16:1–9).

Solomon then offers several perspectives on kings and rulers. He points out the fact that those in authority have great power, so it's common sense to avoid their wrath whenever possible. Some of these statements are expressions of ideals: the way a godly king ought to act (Proverbs 16:10–15).

Next are a series of proverbs relating to the value of wisdom, controlled speech, and self-reflection. Arrogance leads to disaster since it prevents a person from following God's will or recognizing their own errors. Having truth is valuable in and of itself; using careful words to speak truth makes others more likely to accept it. On the other hand, using words hatefully or for spite can cause incredible damage (Proverbs 16:16–26).

The concluding section of this chapter contrasts evil people with those who are righteous. Solomon offers additional warnings about self-control and the importance of reining in one's temper. Through all things, even those we think of as "random," God is ultimately in control (Proverbs 16:27–33).
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