Proverbs 16
The plans of the heart belong to a person, but from Yahweh comes the answer from his tongue.
2 All the works of the humble [man] are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.
All of a person's ways are pure in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the spirits.
Commit your works to Yahweh and your plans will succeed.
Yahweh has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless. The beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices. He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace. All of the works of the Lord [are done] with righteousness; and the ungodly [man] is kept for the evil day.
Yahweh hates everyone who has an arrogant heart, but be sure of this, they will not go unpunished.
By covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness iniquity is atoned for and by the fear of Yahweh people turn away from evil.
When a person's ways are pleasing to Yahweh, he makes even that person's enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with what is right, than a large income with injustice.
In his heart a person plans out his way, but Yahweh directs his steps.
10 [There is] an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgement.
Insightful decisions are on the lips of a king, his mouth should not betray justice.
11 The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures.
Honest scales come from Yahweh; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.
When kings do wicked things, that is something to be despised, for a throne is established by doing what is right.
13 Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.
A king delights in lips that say what is right and he loves the one who speaks directly.
14 The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.
A king's wrath is a messenger of death but a wise man will try to calm his anger.
15 The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.
In the light of a king's face is life and his favor is like a cloud that brings a spring rain.
16 The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. To get understanding should be chosen more than silver.
17 The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.
The highway of upright people turns away from evil; the one who protects his life guards his way.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.
Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a downfall.
19 Better is a meek-spirited [man] with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.
It is better to be humble among poor people than to divide the spoil with proud people.
20 [He who is] skilful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.
Whoever contemplates what they are taught will find what is good, and those who trust in Yahweh will be blessed.
21 [Men] call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.
The one who is wise in heart is called discerning and sweetness of speech improves the ability to teach.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but the instruction of fools is their foolishness.
23 The heart of the wise will discern the [things which proceed] from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.
The heart of a wise person gives insight to his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell. (questioned)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26 A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from [him] his own ruin.
The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger urges him on.
27 But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.
A worthless person digs up mischief and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.
A perverse person stirs up conflict and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A transgressor tries [to ensnare] friends, and leads them in ways [that are] not good.
A man of violence lies to his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace of wickedness.
The one who winks the eye is plotting perverse things; those who purse the lips will bring evil to pass.
31 Old age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living the right way.
32 A man slow to anger is better than a strong [man]; and he that governs [his] temper better than he that takes a city.
It is better to be slow to anger than to be a warrior and one who rules his spirit is stronger than one who conquers a city.
33 All [evils] come upon the ungodly into [their] bosoms; but all righteous things [come] of the Lord.
The lots are cast into the lap, but the decision is from Yahweh.
