Proverbs 16:1-9

New King James Version

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.

²All the ways of a man are pure in his own ^(C)eyes,
But the Lord weighs the spirits.

³^(D)Commit^[b] your works to the Lord,
And your thoughts will be established.

⁴The ^(E)Lord has made all for Himself,
^(F)Yes, even the wicked for the day of ^[c]doom.

⁵^(G)Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join ^[d]forces, none will go unpunished.

⁶^(H)In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And ^(I)by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

⁷When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

⁸^(J)Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.

⁹^(K)A man’s heart plans his way,
^(L)But the Lord directs his steps.

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Footnotes

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

Proverbs 16:1-9

English Standard Version

16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but ^(A)the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
²^(B)All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord ^(C)weighs the spirit.^[a]
³^(D)Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.
⁴^(E)The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even ^(F)the wicked for the day of trouble.
⁵Everyone who is arrogant in heart is ^(G)an abomination to the Lord;
    ^(H)be assured, he will not go unpunished.
⁶By ^(I)steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by ^(J)the fear of the Lord one ^(K)turns away from evil.
⁷When a man's ways please the Lord,
    ^(L)he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
⁸^(M)Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
⁹^(N)The heart of man plans his way,
    but ^(O)the Lord establishes his steps.