Proverbiorum 16
1 Hominis est animam præparare, et Domini gubernare linguam.
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 Omnes viæ hominis patent oculis ejus; spirituum ponderator est Dominus.
All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
3 Revela Domino opera tua, et dirigentur cogitationes tuæ.
Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.
4 Universa propter semetipsum operatus est Dominus; impium quoque ad diem malum.
The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.
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.
Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
6 Misericordia et veritate redimitur iniquitas, et in timore Domini declinatur a malo.
By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
7 Cum placuerint Domino viæ hominis, inimicos quoque ejus convertet ad pacem.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
8 Melius est parum cum justitia quam multi fructus cum iniquitate.
Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
9 Cor hominis disponit viam suam, sed Domini est dirigere gressus ejus.
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
10 Divinatio in labiis regis; in judicio non errabit os ejus.
A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.
11 Pondus et statera judicia Domini sunt, et opera ejus omnes lapides sacculi.
Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12 Abominabiles regi qui agunt impie, quoniam justitia firmatur solium.
Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Voluntas regum labia justa; qui recta loquitur diligetur.
Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
14 Indignatio regis nuntii mortis, et vir sapiens placabit eam.
The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In hilaritate vultus regis vita, et clementia ejus quasi imber serotinus.
When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 Posside sapientiam, quia auro melior est, et acquire prudentiam, quia pretiosior est argento.
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
17 Semita justorum declinat mala; custos animæ suæ servat viam suam.
The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
18 Contritionem præcedit superbia, et ante ruinam exaltatur spiritus.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Melius est humiliari cum mitibus quam dividere spolia cum superbis.
It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 Eruditus in verbo reperiet bona, et qui sperat in Domino beatus est.
Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 Qui sapiens est corde appellabitur prudens, et qui dulcis eloquio majora percipiet.
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
22 Fons vitæ eruditio possidentis; doctrina stultorum fatuitas.
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23 Cor sapientis erudiet os ejus, et labiis ejus addet gratiam.
The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Favus mellis composita verba; dulcedo animæ sanitas ossium.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 Est via quæ videtur homini recta, et novissima ejus ducunt ad mortem.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26 Anima laborantis laborat sibi, quia compulit eum os suum.
A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
27 Vir impius fodit malum, et in labiis ejus ignis ardescit.
A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 Homo perversus suscitat lites, et verbosus separat principes.
A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
29 Vir iniquus lactat amicum suum, et ducit eum per viam non bonam.
A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 Qui attonitis oculis cogitat prava, mordens labia sua perficit malum.
He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Corona dignitatis senectus, quæ in viis justitiæ reperietur.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
32 Melior est patiens viro forti, et qui dominatur animo suo expugnatore urbium.
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
33 Sortes mittuntur in sinum, sed a Domino temperantur.
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
