16 We may make our plans, but God has the last word.^[a]

² You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives.

³ Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

⁴ Everything the Lord has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked is destruction.

⁵ The Lord hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment.

^6 (A)Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the Lord and nothing evil will happen to you.

⁷ When you please the Lord, you can make^[b] your enemies into friends.

^8 (B)It is better to have a little, honestly earned, than to have a large income, dishonestly gained.

⁹ You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

¹⁶ It is better—much better—to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver.

¹⁷ Those who are good travel a road that avoids evil; so watch where you are going—it may save your life.

¹⁸ Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

¹⁹ It is better to be humble and stay poor than to be one of the arrogant and get a share of their loot.

²⁰ Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy.

²¹ A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.

²² Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time.

²³ Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.

²⁴ Kind words are like honey—sweet to the taste and good for your health.