Proverbs 16:1-15 ▼

1 The plans of the heart belong to humans, but an answer on the tongue comes from the LORD.

2 A person thinks all his ways are pure, but the LORD weighs motives.

3 Entrust your efforts to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

4 The LORD has made everything for his own purpose, even wicked people for the day of trouble.

5 Everyone with a conceited heart is disgusting to the LORD. Certainly, [such a person]will not go unpunished.

6 By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the LORD. By the fear of the LORD, evil is avoided.

7 When a person's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better a few [possessions] gained honestly than many gained through injustice.

9 A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps.

10 When a divine revelation is on a king's lips, he cannot voice a wrong judgment.

11 Honest balances and scales belong to the LORD. He made the entire set of weights.

12 Wrongdoing is disgusting to kings because a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Kings are happy with honest words, and whoever speaks what is right is loved.

14 A king's anger announces death, but a wise man makes peace with him.

15 When the king is cheerful, there is life, and his favor is like a cloud bringing spring rain.