16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but (A)the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
(B)All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord (C)weighs the spirit.[a]
(D)Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.
(E)The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even (F)the wicked for the day of trouble.
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is (G)an abomination to the Lord;
    (H)be assured, he will not go unpunished.
By (I)steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by (J)the fear of the Lord one (K)turns away from evil.
When a man's ways please the Lord,
    (L)he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
(M)Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
(N)The heart of man plans his way,
    but (O)the Lord establishes his steps.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:2 Or spirits

16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.(A)

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,(B)
    but motives are weighed(C) by the Lord.(D)

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.(E)

The Lord works out everything to its proper end(F)
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.(G)

The Lord detests all the proud of heart.(H)
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.(I)

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
    through the fear of the Lord(J) evil is avoided.(K)

When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
    he causes their enemies to make peace(L) with them.(M)

Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(N) with injustice.(O)

In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.(P)

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