Proverbs

Proverbs 16 ©

Various observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.

1

THE 1preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

2

aAll the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; bbut the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3

2Commit cthy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4

The dLORD hath made all things for himself: eyea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5

fEvery one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be 3unpunished.

6

By gmercy and truth hiniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7

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

8

jBetter is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9

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

10

4A ldivine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

11

A mjust weight and balance are the LORD's: 5all the weights of the bag are his work.

12

It is nan abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

13

oRighteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

14

The pwrath of a king is as messengers of death: qbut a wise man will pacify it.

15

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

16

sHow much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

17

The thighway of the upright is to depart from evil: uhe that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18

vPride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19

wBetter it is to be xof an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20

6He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso ytrusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21

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

22

aUnderstanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: bbut the instruction of fools is folly.

23

The cheart of the wise 7teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24

dPleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25

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

26

8He that laboureth flabour-eth for himself; for his mouth 9craveth it of him.

27

10An gungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28

A h*froward man 11soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29

A iviolent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30

He jshutteth his eyes to devise *froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31

The khoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found lin the way of righteousness.

32

He that is mslow to anger is better than the mighty; nand he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33

The olot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.