[[Proverbs 15|<< Proverbs 15]] | [[Proverbs|Proverbs]] | [[Proverbs 17|Proverbs 17 >>]] ### Proverbs 16 1 THE preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, _is_ from the LORD. ^1 2 All the ways of a man _are_ clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. ^2 3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. ^3 4 The LORD has made all _things_ for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. ^4 5 Every one _that_ _is_ proud in heart _is_ an abomination to the LORD: _though_ hand _join_ in hand, he shall not be unpunished. ^5 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD _men_ depart from evil. ^6 7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. ^7 8 Better _is_ a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. ^8 9 A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps. ^9 10 A divine sentence _is_ in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment. ^10 11 A just weight and balance _are_ the LORD's: all the weights of the bag _are_ his work. ^11 12 _It_ _is_ an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. ^12 13 Righteous lips _are_ the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right. ^13 14 The wrath of a king _is_ _as_ messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. ^14 15 In the light of the king's countenance _is_ life; and his favor _is_ as a cloud of the latter rain. ^15 16 How much better _is_ _it_ to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! ^16 17 The highway of the upright _is_ to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul. ^17 18 Pride _goes_ before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ^18 19 Better _it_ _is_ _to_ _be_ of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. ^19 20 He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusts in the LORD, happy _is_ he. ^20 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning. ^21 22 Understanding _is_ a wellspring of life unto him that has it: but the instruction of fools _is_ folly. ^22 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. ^23 24 Pleasant words _are_ _as_ an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. ^24 25 There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof _are_ the ways of death. ^25 26 He that labors labors for himself; for his mouth craves it of him. ^26 27 An ungodly man digs up evil: and in his lips _there_ _is_ as a burning fire. ^27 28 A froward man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends. ^28 29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him into the way _that_ _is_ not good. ^29 30 He shuts his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he brings evil to pass. ^30 31 The hoary head _is_ a crown of glory, _if_ it be found in the way of righteousness. ^31 32 _He_ _that_ _is_ slow to anger _is_ better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city. ^32 33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof _is_ of the LORD. ^33