Proverbs 16
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New International VersionHolman Christian Standard Bible
1To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.1The reflections of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.2All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD evaluates the motives.
3Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.3Commit your activities to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved.
4The LORD works out everything to its proper end-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.4The LORD has prepared everything for His purpose-- even the wicked for the day of disaster.
5The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.5Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.6Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the LORD.
7When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.7When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.8Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.
9In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.9A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.
10The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.10God's verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.
11Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.11Honest balances and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.
13Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.13Righteous lips are a king's delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.
14A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.14A king's fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.
15When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.15When a king's face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!16Get wisdom-- how much better it is than gold! And get understanding-- it is preferable to silver.
17The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.17The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.
18Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.18Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.19Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.
20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.20The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the LORD will be happy.
21The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.21Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.
22Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.22Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.23A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.
24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.24Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.
25There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.26A worker's appetite works for him because his hunger urges him on.
27A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.27A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.28A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.29A violent man lures his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good.
30Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.30The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions; the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.
31Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.31Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the way of righteousness.
32Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.32Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper, than capturing 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 International Version (NIV)

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Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
Proverbs 15
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