Wisdom Is Better Than Gold

16 The (A)preparations[a] of the heart belong to man,
(B)But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own (C)eyes,
But the Lord weighs the spirits.

(D)Commit[b] your works to the Lord,
And your thoughts will be established.

The (E)Lord has made all for Himself,
(F)Yes, even the wicked for the day of [c]doom.

(G)Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join [d]forces, none will go unpunished.

(H)In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And (I)by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

(J)Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.

(K)A man’s heart plans his way,
(L)But the Lord directs his steps.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:1 plans
  2. Proverbs 16:3 Lit. Roll
  3. Proverbs 16:4 Lit. evil
  4. Proverbs 16:5 Lit. hand to hand

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