Proverbs 16:1-20

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

16 The plans of the mind belong to mortals,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
² All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the spirit.^(A)
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.^(B)
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of trouble.^(C)
5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord;
    be assured, they will not go unpunished.^(D)
6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.^(E)
7 When the ways of people please the Lord,
    he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.^(F)
8 Better is a little with righteousness
    than large income with injustice.
⁹ The human mind plans the way,
    but the Lord directs the steps.^(G)
10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king;
    his mouth does not sin in judgment.
¹¹ Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
    all the weights in the bag are his work.^(H)
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
    for the throne is established by righteousness.^(I)
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
    and he loves those who speak what is right.^(J)
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
    and whoever is wise will appease it.^(K)
15 In the light of a king’s face there is life,
    and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.^(L)
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.^(M)
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
    those who guard their way preserve their lives.
¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.^(N)
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor
    than to divide the spoil with the proud.
²⁰ Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,
    and happy are those who trust in the Lord.^(O)