Proverbs 16

1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.WEBThe plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.WEBAll the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the motives.

3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.WEBCommit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.

4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.WEBYahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.WEBEveryone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; they shall certainly not be unpunished.

6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.WEBBy mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.WEBWhen a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.WEBBetter is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.

9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.WEBA man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.

10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.WEBInspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.

11A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.WEBHonest balances and scales are Yahweh’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.WEBIt is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.WEBRighteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.

14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.WEBThe king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.WEBIn the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.

16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!WEBHow much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.WEBThe highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.WEBPride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.WEBIt is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.

20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.WEBHe who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.WEBThe wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.WEBUnderstanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.WEBThe heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.

24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.WEBPleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.WEBThere is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.WEBThe appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.

27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.WEBA worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.

28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.WEBA perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.

29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.WEBA man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.

30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.WEBOne who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.

31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.WEBGray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.WEBOne who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.WEBThe lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.