Proverbs, 16

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

1. Man's heart makes plans but it is Yahweh who answers.

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

2. Although people are satisfied with all of their deeds Yahweh considers the motives.

3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

3. Entrust all you do to Yahweh and your plans will be realized.

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

4. Yahweh made everything for a purpose, even the evildoer for the day of punishment.

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

5. Yahweh hates the arrogant heart; you can be sure it will not go unpunished.

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

6. With goodness and faithfulness you atone for your sin; with fear of Yahweh you may turn away from evil.

7. When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

7. When Yahweh is pleased with a man's conduct, he reconciles even his enemies with him.

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

8. Better to have little but be just than to have a great income without honesty.

9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

9. Man's heart seeks the right way but it is Yahweh who makes his footsteps sure.

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

10. The lips of the king utter oracles; he will not be mistaken when he judges.

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

11. Yahweh demands a just balance and scales; the weights are the work of his hands.

12. [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

12. Kings who do evil are an abomination; it is justice that supports the kingship.

13. Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

13. He who judges according to justice wins the king's favor, honest men are pleasing to him.

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

14. The king's anger is a messenger of death but the wise man knows how to appease him.

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

15. The king's serene countenance means life, his favor is like the spring rain.

16. How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

16. Better to have acquired wisdom rather than gold, discernment rather than silver.

17. The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

17. The way of the honest man is to turn away from evil; he who watches his steps keeps his life safe.

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

18. Pride goes before destruction, an arrogant spirit before a fall.

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

19. Better be humble among the lowly than share loot with the proud.

20. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.

20. He who listens to the word will find happiness; blessed is he who trusts in Yahweh.

21. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

21. He whose heart is wise will be proclaimed discerning; moderate speech brings knowledge.

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

22. Good sense is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, foolishness is the punishment of fools.

23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

23. The wise man's heart keeps guard over his mouth, making his words more effective.

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

24. Kind words are like a honeycomb: sweet to the spirit and healthy to the body.

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

25. To one, his way seems honest, but ultimately it leads to death.

26. He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

26. The worker's appetite works to his benefit; the need to eat spurs him on.

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

27. The troublemaker prepares disgrace, a scorching fire is on his lips.

28. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

28. The scoundrel stirs up trouble; his critical comments split up friends.

29. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way [that is] not good.

29. A violent man deceives his neighbor and leads him along a path that is not good.

30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

30. He who closes his eyes and purses his lips to plot deceit already commits evil.

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

31. White hairs are a magnificent crown for the one who has followed the path of virtue.

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

32. The patient man is to be preferred to the hero; better the man who masters himself than the conqueror of cities.

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

33. Fate is thrown in the bag but the decision depends on Yahweh.