Proverbs 16
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New American Standard Bible 1995New International Version
1The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.1To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.2All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
4The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.4The LORD works out everything to its proper end-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.5The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.7When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice.8Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.9In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
10A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
11A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.11Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness.12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved.13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.
14The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it.14A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
15In the light of a king's face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.15When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.16How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.17The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.18Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.19Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.21The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.22Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.25There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
26A worker's appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on.26The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.
27A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire.27A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.28A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29A man of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good.29A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.30Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.31Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.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.33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit //www.lockman.orgNew International Version (NIV)

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Proverbs 15
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