Proverbiorum 16
1 [Hominis est animam præparare, et Domini gubernare linguam.
Unto man belong the resolves of the heart; but from the Lord cometh the expression of the tongue.
2 Omnes viæ hominis patent oculis ejus; spirituum ponderator est Dominus.
Every one of the ways of a man is pure in his own eyes; but the Lord measureth the spirits.
3 Revela Domino opera tua, et dirigentur cogitationes tuæ.
Commit unto the Lord thy works, and thy plans will be firmly established.
4 Universa propter semetipsum operatus est Dominus; impium quoque ad diem malum.
Every thing hath the Lord wrought for its destined end; yes, even the wicked for the day of unhappiness.
5 Abominatio Domini est omnis arrogans; etiamsi manus ad manum fuerit, non est innocens. Initium viæ bonæ facere justitiam; accepta est autem apud Deum magis quam immolare hostias.
An abomination of the Lord is every one that is proud of heart: the hand [of God] being against [his] hand, he shall not go unpunished.
6 Misericordia et veritate redimitur iniquitas, et in timore Domini declinatur a malo.
Through kindness and truth is iniquity atoned for; and by the fear of the Lord [men] depart from evil.
7 Cum placuerint Domino viæ hominis, inimicos quoque ejus convertet ad pacem.
When the Lord receiveth in favor a man's ways, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Melius est parum cum justitia quam multi fructus cum iniquitate.
Better is a little with righteousness, than great incomes through injustice.
9 Cor hominis disponit viam suam, sed Domini est dirigere gressus ejus.]
A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth firmly his steps.
10 [Divinatio in labiis regis; in judicio non errabit os ejus.
There should be a wise sentence on the lips of the king: his mouth should never commit a trespass in judging.
11 Pondus et statera judicia Domini sunt, et opera ejus omnes lapides sacculi.
A just balance and scales belong to the Lord: his work are all the weights in the bag.
12 Abominabiles regi qui agunt impie, quoniam justitia firmatur solium.
It should be an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for through righteousness [alone] can a throne be established.
13 Voluntas regum labia justa; qui recta loquitur diligetur.
Righteous lips [should obtain] the favor of kings; and him that speaketh uprightly should they love.
14 Indignatio regis nuntii mortis, et vir sapiens placabit eam.
The fury of a king is like the messengers of death; but a wise man will appease it.
15 In hilaritate vultus regis vita, et clementia ejus quasi imber serotinus.]
In the light of the king's countenance there is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 [Posside sapientiam, quia auro melior est, et acquire prudentiam, quia pretiosior est argento.
How much better is it to obtain wisdom than gold! and to obtain understanding is preferable to silver!
17 Semita justorum declinat mala; custos animæ suæ servat viam suam.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he preserveth his soul that watcheth his way.
18 Contritionem præcedit superbia, et ante ruinam exaltatur spiritus.
Before downfall [goeth] pride, and before stumbling, haughtiness of spirit.
19 Melius est humiliari cum mitibus quam dividere spolia cum superbis.
Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide spoil with the proud.
20 Eruditus in verbo reperiet bona, et qui sperat in Domino beatus est.
He that reflecteth on a matter wisely will find happiness; and whoso trusteth in the Lord—happiness attend him!
21 Qui sapiens est corde appellabitur prudens, et qui dulcis eloquio majora percipiet.
The wise in heart is called a man of understanding; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth information.
22 Fons vitæ eruditio possidentis; doctrina stultorum fatuitas.]
Intelligence is a source of life unto its possessor; but the correction of fools is folly.
23 [Cor sapientis erudiet os ejus, et labiis ejus addet gratiam.
The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips he increaseth information.
24 Favus mellis composita verba; dulcedo animæ sanitas ossium.
[Like] the droppings of honey are pleasant sayings, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones.
25 Est via quæ videtur homini recta, et novissima ejus ducunt ad mortem.
There is many a way which seemeth even before a man, but its end are the ways unto death.
26 Anima laborantis laborat sibi, quia compulit eum os suum.
The desire of the laborer laboreth for him; for his mouth imposeth it on him.
27 Vir impius fodit malum, et in labiis ejus ignis ardescit.
An ungodly man diggeth up mischief, and on his lips there is as it were a scathing fire.
28 Homo perversus suscitat lites, et verbosus separat principes.
A perverse man scattereth strife; and a whisperer separateth confident friends.
29 Vir iniquus lactat amicum suum, et ducit eum per viam non bonam.
The man of violence misleadeth his neighbor, and maketh him go on a way which is not good.
30 Qui attonitis oculis cogitat prava, mordens labia sua perficit malum.
He shutteth his eyes to devise perverse things: when he compresseth his lips then hath he fully resolved on evil.
31 Corona dignitatis senectus, quæ in viis justitiæ reperietur.
An ornamental crown is the hoary head, on the way of righteousness can it be found.
32 Melior est patiens viro forti, et qui dominatur animo suo expugnatore urbium.
One that is slow to anger is better than a hero; and he that ruleth his spirit, than the conqueror of a city.
33 Sortes mittuntur in sinum, sed a Domino temperantur.]
In the lap the lot is cast: but from the Lord cometh the whole of its decision.
