Proverbs 16 :: Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,

but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

All a person’s ways seem right to him,

but the LORD weighs motives.[fn]

Commit your activities to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.

The LORD has prepared everything for his purpose —

even the wicked for the day of disaster.

Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD;

be assured,[fn] he will not go unpunished.

Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,

and one turns from evil by the fear of the LORD.

When a person’s ways please the LORD,

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice.

A person’s heart plans his way,

but the LORD determines his steps.

God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;[fn]

his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.

Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s;

all the weights in the bag are his concern.

Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,

since a throne is established through righteousness.

Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he loves one who speaks honestly.

A king’s fury is a messenger of death,

but a wise person appeases it.

When a king’s face lights up, there is life;

his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

Get wisdom —

how much better it is than gold!

And get understanding —

it is preferable to silver.

The highway of the upright avoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life.

Pride comes before destruction,

and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble[fn]

than to divide plunder with the proud.

The one who understands a matter finds success,

and the one who trusts in the LORD will be happy.

Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech[fn] increases learning.

Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;

it adds learning to his speech.[fn]

Pleasant words are a honeycomb:

sweet to the taste[fn] and health to the body.[fn]

There is a way that seems right to a person,

but its end is the way to death.

A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger[fn] urges him on.

A worthless person digs up evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire.

A contrary person spreads conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends.

A violent person lures his neighbor,

leading him on a path that is not good.

The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;

the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.

Gray hair is a glorious crown;

it is found in the ways of righteousness.

Patience is better than power,

and controlling one’s emotions,[fn] than capturing a city.

The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the LORD.