Proverbs 16:1-15 ▼

1 People do the planning, but the end result is from the LORD.

2 Everything a person does seems pure in his own opinion, but the LORD weighs intentions.

3 Entrust your work to the LORD, and your planning will succeed.

4 The LORD made everything answerable to him, including the wicked at the time of trouble.

5 The LORD detests those who are proud; truly they will not go unpunished.

6 Iniquity is atoned for by gracious love and truth, and through fear of the LORD people turn from evil.

7 When a person's ways please the LORD, even his enemies will be at peace with him.

8 A little gain with righteousness is better than great income without justice.

9 A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

10 When a king is ready to speak officially, what he says should not err with respect to justice.

11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; he made all the weights in the bag.

12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for through righteousness the throne is established.

13 Kings take pleasure in righteous speech; they treasure a person who speaks what is upright.

14 The king's wrath results in a death sentence, but whoever is wise will appease him.

15 When a king is pleased, there is life, and his favor is like a cloud that brings spring rain.