16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

16:2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

16:4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends--even the wicked for a day of disaster.

16:5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

16:6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

16:8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

16:10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

16:11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

16:12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.

16:13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

16:14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

16:15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

16:19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

16:23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

16:26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

16:27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

16:28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

16:29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

16:30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

16:31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

16:32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.