Psalms 16

Proverbs 16:1-33 (NLT)

1 We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.

7 When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.

8 Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.

9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.

11 The LORD demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.

12 A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.

14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.

15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

19 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.

21 The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.

22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.

27 Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

29 Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path.

30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33 We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.