Proverbs16

Proverbs 16 emphasizes the LORD's ultimate sovereignty over human plans and actions, asserting that while man devises his way, God directs his steps. It contrasts the path of righteousness, which leads to life and divine favor, with the destructive consequences of pride and wickedness. The chapter also extols the value of wisdom and understanding above material wealth, highlighting their role in guiding conduct and speech.

The Lord Directs Our Steps

1
Of man are arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.
2
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.
3
Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,
4
All things hath Jehovah wrought for Himself, And also the wicked worketh for a day of evil.
5
An abomination to Jehovah is every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
6
In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of Jehovah Turn thou aside from evil.
7
When a man's ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
8
Better is a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without justice.
9
The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.

Wisdom for Kings and Rulers

10
An oath is on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.
11
A just beam and balances are Jehovah's, His work are all the stones of the bag.
12
An abomination to kings is doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
13
The delight of kings are righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
14
The fury of a king is messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
15
In the light of a king's face is life, And his good-will is as a cloud of the latter rain.

The Primacy of Wisdom and Humility

16
To get wisdom--how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
17
A highway of the upright is , `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
18
Before destruction is pride, And before stumbling--a haughty spirit.'
19
Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
20
The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
21
To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
22
A fountain of life is understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
23
The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
24
Sayings of pleasantness are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.

Paths of Life and Final Divine Control

25
There is a way right before a man, And its latter end--ways of death.
26
A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused him to bend over it.
27
A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips--as a burning fire.
28
A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.
30
Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
31
A crown of beauty are grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
32
Better is the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
33
Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah is all its judgment!
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