Proverbs 16 – Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

1 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,

but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

2 All a person’s ways seem right to him,

but the LORD weighs motives.[fn]

3 Commit your activities to the LORD,

and your plans will be established.

4 The LORD has prepared everything for his purpose —

even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5 Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD;

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

6 Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,

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

7 When a person’s ways please the LORD,

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

8 Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice.

9 A person’s heart plans his way,

but the LORD determines his steps.

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

his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.

11 Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s;

all the weights in the bag are his concern.

12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,

since a throne is established through righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,

but a wise person appeases it.

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

his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

16 Get wisdom —

how much better it is than gold!

And get understanding —

it is preferable to silver.

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life.

18 Pride comes before destruction,

and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

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

than to divide plunder with the proud.

20 The one who understands a matter finds success,

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

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech[fn] increases learning.

22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23 The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;

it adds learning to his speech.[fn]

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:

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

25 There is a way that seems right to a person,

but its end is the way to death.

26 A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger[fn] urges him on.

27 A worthless person digs up evil,

and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A contrary person spreads conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends.

29 A violent person lures his neighbor,

leading him on a path that is not good.

30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;

the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;

it is found in the ways of righteousness.

32 Patience is better than power,

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

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the LORD.