Chapter 16

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.

All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth⁶ the spirits.

Commit³ thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.¹¹

The LORD hath made¹ all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.¹¹

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:²⁹ and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart² from evil.

When a man's ways please² the LORD, he maketh even his enemies⁶ to be at peace⁵⁵ with him.

Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

A man's heart deviseth¹⁷ his way: but the LORD directeth⁵⁵ his steps.

A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth⁴ not in judgment.

A just weight and balance [are] the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.

[It is] an abomination to kings to commit² wickedness: for the throne is established¹¹ by righteousness.

Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love⁴ him that speaketh⁶ right.

The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify¹⁷ it.

In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.

How much better [is it] to get² wisdom than gold! and to get² understanding rather to be chosen¹² than silver!

The highway of the upright [is] to depart² from evil: he that keepeth⁶ his way preserveth⁶ his soul.

Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, ⁶⁰⁴¹ than to divide¹⁵ the spoil with the proud.

He that handleth a matter wisely⁵⁶ shall find⁴ good: and whoso trusteth⁶ in the LORD, happy [is] he.

The wise in heart shall be called¹¹ prudent:¹² and the sweetness of the lips increaseth⁵⁵ learning.

Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.

The heart of the wise teacheth⁵⁵ his mouth, and addeth⁵⁵ learning to his lips.

Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, ¹⁷⁰⁶ sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

He that laboureth laboureth¹ for himself; for his mouth craveth¹ it of him.

An ungodly man diggeth⁶ up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire.

A froward man soweth¹⁷ strife: and a whisperer separateth⁵⁶ chief friends.

A violent man enticeth¹⁷ his neighbour, and leadeth⁵² him into the way [that is] not good.

He shutteth⁶ his eyes to devise² froward things: moving⁶ his lips he bringeth evil to pass.¹⁴

The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found¹¹ in the way of righteousness.

[He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth⁶ his spirit than he that taketh⁶ a city.

The lot is cast⁹³ into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.