Proverbs, 16

¹ A man prepares the thoughts of his heart,^*1 But the answer he gives^*2 is from Jehovah.

Lit., “The arrangings of the heart belong to a man.”
Or “the right answer.” Lit., “the answer of the tongue.”

² All of a man’s ways seem right^*1 to him, But Jehovah examines the motives.^*2

Lit., “pure.”
Lit., “spirits.”

³ Commit to Jehovah whatever you do,^*1 And your plans will succeed.

Lit., “Roll to Jehovah your works.”

⁴ Jehovah has made everything work for his purpose, Even the wicked for the day of disaster.

⁵ Everyone proud in heart is detestable to Jehovah. Be assured^*1 that he will not go unpunished.

Lit., “Hand to hand.”

⁶ By loyal love and faithfulness, error is atoned for, And by fearing Jehovah one turns away from bad.

⁷ When Jehovah is pleased with a man’s ways, He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

⁸ Better is a little with righteousness Than a large income without justice.

⁹ A man may plot out his course in his heart, But it is Jehovah who directs his steps.

¹⁰ Inspired^*1 decision should be on the lips of a king; He must never betray justice.

Or “Divine.”

¹¹ Honest balances and scales are from Jehovah; All the weights in the bag are his doing.

¹² Wicked practices are detestable to kings, For the throne is firmly established by righteousness.

¹³ Righteous speech is a pleasure to kings. They love someone who speaks honestly.

¹⁴ The king’s rage is like a messenger of death, But the wise man appeases^*1 it.

Or “avoids.”

¹⁵ In the light of the king’s face there is life; His favor is like a cloud of rain in spring.

¹⁶ How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is to be chosen over silver.

¹⁷ The highway of the upright avoids what is bad. Whoever safeguards his way preserves his life.^*1

Or “soul.”

¹⁸ Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

¹⁹ Better to be humble^*1 among the meek Than to share the spoil of the haughty.

Lit., “lowly of spirit.”

²⁰ The one who shows insight in a matter will find success,^*1 And happy is the one trusting in Jehovah.

Lit., “good.”

²¹ The wise in heart will be called understanding, And the one kind in speech^*1 adds persuasiveness.

Or “And appealing speech.” Lit., “And sweetness of lips.”

²² Insight is a fountain of life to those possessing it, But fools are disciplined by their own foolishness.

²³ The heart of the wise one gives his mouth insight And adds persuasiveness to his speech.

²⁴ Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul^*1 and a healing to the bones.

Or “taste.” See Glossary.

²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

²⁶ The appetite^*1 of a laborer makes him work hard For his hunger^*2 urges him on.

Or “soul.”
Lit., “mouth.”

²⁷ A worthless man digs up what is bad; His speech is like a scorching fire.

²⁸ A troublemaker^*1 causes dissension, And a slanderer separates close friends.

Or “A schemer.”

²⁹ A violent man entices his neighbor And leads him in the wrong way.

³⁰ He winks his eye as he schemes harm. He pinches his lips together as he carries out mischief.

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of beauty^*1 When it is found in the way of righteousness.

Or “glory.”

³² The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, And the one controlling his temper^*1 than one conquering a city.

Lit., “ruling over his spirit.”

³³ The lot is cast into the lap, But every decision by it is from Jehovah.

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Proverbs, 16