Proverbs 16
1The plans of the heart belong to man, 2 but the answer of the tongue is from Adonai. 1
2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; 2 but Adonai weighs the motives. 1
3Commit your deeds to Adonai, 2 and your plans shall succeed. 1
4Adonai has made everything for its own end— 2 yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. 1
5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Adonai: 2 they shall certainly not be unpunished. 1
6By chesed ·loving-kindness· and truth depravity (moral evil) is atoned for. 2 By the fear of Adonai men depart from evil. 1
7When a man’s ways please Adonai, 2 he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 1
8Better is a little with righteousness, 2 than great revenues with lo'mishpat ·injustice·. 1
9A man’s heart plans his course, 2 but Adonai directs his steps. 1
10Inspired charges are on the lips of the king. 2 His mouth shall not betray his judgments. 1
11Mishpat ·Honest· balances and scales are Adonai’s; 2 all the weights in the bag are his work. 1
12It is an abomination for kings to do ethical wickedness, 2 for the throne is established by righteousness. 1
13Righteous lips are the delight of kings. 2 They 'ahav ·affectionately love· one who speaks the truth. 1
14The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, 2 but a wise man will pacify it. 1
15In the light of the king’s face is life. 2 His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. 1
16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! 2 Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 1
17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. 2 He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 1
18Pride goes before destruction, 2 and a haughty spirit before a fall. 1
19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, 2 than to divide the plunder with the proud. 1
20He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. 2 Whoever trusts in Adonai is blessed. 1
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent. 2 Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. 1
22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, 2 but the punishment of fools is their folly. 1
23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, 2 and adds learning to his lips. 1
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, 2 sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 1
25There is a way which seems right to a man, 2 but in the end it leads to death. 1
26The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; 2 for his mouth urges him on. 1
27A worthless man devises mischief. 2 His speech is like a scorching fire. + 16:27. Quoted in James 3:6 1
28A perverse man stirs up strife. 2 A whisperer separates close friends. 1
29A man of violence entices his neighbor, 2 and leads him in a way that is not good. 1
30One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, 2 one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. 1
31Gray hair is a crown of glory. 2 It is attained by a life of righteousness. 1
32One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; 2 one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. 1
33The lot is cast into the lap, 2 but its every mishpat ·decision· is from Adonai.