Proverbs 16:1-16

Christian Standard Bible

16 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.^(A)

² All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs motives.^[a](B)

³ Commit your activities to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.^(C)

⁴ The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose—
even the wicked for the day of disaster.^(D)

⁵ Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;^(E)
be assured,^[b] he will not go unpunished.^(F)

⁶ Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,^(G)
and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.^(H)

⁷ When a person’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.^(I)

⁸ Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.^(J)

⁹ A person’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps.^(K)

¹⁰ God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;^[c](L)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.^(M)

¹¹ Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his concern.^(N)

¹² Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,^(O)
since a throne is established through righteousness.^(P)

¹³ Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

¹⁴ A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise person appeases it.^(Q)

¹⁵ When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

¹⁶ Get wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding—
it is preferable to silver.^(R)