16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
16:2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
16:4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends even the wicked for a day of disaster.
16:5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
16:6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
16:7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
16:8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
16:10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
16:11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD all the weights in the bag are of his making.
16:12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
16:13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips they value a man who speaks the truth.
16:14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
16:15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life his favour is like a rain cloud in spring.
16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil he who guards his way guards his life.
16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. [Or words make a man persuasive]
16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.
16:23 A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. [Or mouth and makes his lips persuasive]
16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
16:26 The labourer’s appetite works for him his hunger drives him on.
16:27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
16:28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
16:29 A violent man entices his neighbour and leads him down a path that is not good.
16:30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
16:31 Grey hair is a crown of splendour it is attained by a righteous life.
16:32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.