Proverbs 16 NLT

1 We can make our own plans,but the lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,but the lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the lord,and your plans will succeed.

4 The lord has made everything for his own purposes,even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The lord detests the proud;they will surely be punished.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.By fearing the lord, people avoid evil.

7 When people’s lives please the lord,even their enemies are at peace with them.

8 Better to have little, with godliness,than to be rich and dishonest.

9 We can make our plans,but the lord determines our steps.

10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;he must never judge unfairly.

11 The lord demands accurate scales and balances;he sets the standards for fairness.

12 A king detests wrongdoing,for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat;the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life;his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,and good judgment than silver!

17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;whoever follows that path is safe.

18 Pride goes before destruction,and haughtiness before a fall.

19 Better to live humbly with the poorthan to share plunder with the proud.

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;those who trust the lord will be joyful.

21 The wise are known for their understanding,and pleasant words are persuasive.

22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,but discipline is wasted on fools.

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25 There is a path before each person that seems right,but it ends in death.

26 It is good for workers to have an appetite;an empty stomach drives them on.

27 Scoundrels create trouble;their words are a destructive blaze.

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;gossip separates the best of friends.

29 Violent people mislead their companions,leading them down a harmful path.

30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;it is gained by living a godly life.

32 Better to be patient than powerful;better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33 We may throw the dice,but the lord determines how they fall.

Chapters

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