Proverbiorum 16
1 Hominis est animam praeparare: et Domini gubernare linguam.
All the works of the humble [man] are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.
2 Omnes viae hominis patent oculis eius: spirituum ponderator est Dominus.
3 Revela Domino opera tua, et dirigentur cogitationes tuae.
4 Universa propter semetipsum operatus est Dominus: impium quoque ad diem malum.
5 Abominatio Domini est omnis arrogans: etiamsi manus ad manum fuerit, non est innocens. Initium viae bonae, facere iustitiam: accepta est autem apud Deum magis, quam immolare hostias.
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.
6 Misericordia et veritate redimitur iniquitas: et in timore Domini declinatur a malo.
7 Cum placuerint Domino viae hominis, inimicos quoque eius convertet ad pacem.
8 Melius est parum cum iustitia, quam multi fructus cum iniquitate.
9 Cor hominis disponit viam suam: sed Domini est dirigere gressus eius.
10 Divinatio in labiis regis, in iudicio non errabit os eius.
[There is] an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgment.
11 Pondus et statera iudicia Domini sunt: et opera eius omnes lapides sacculi.
The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures.
12 Abominabiles regi qui agunt impie: quoniam iustitia firmatur solium.
An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.
13 Voluntas regum labia iusta: qui recta loquitur, diligetur:
Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.
14 Indignatio regis, nuncii mortis: et vir sapiens placabit eam.
The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.
15 In hilaritate vultus regis, vita: et clementia eius quasi imber serotinus.
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.
16 Posside sapientiam, quia auro melior est: et acquire prudentiam, quia pretiosior est argento.
The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.
17 Semita iustorum declinat mala: custos animae suae servat viam suam.
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.
18 Contritionem praecedit superbia: et ante ruinam exaltatur spiritus.
Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.
19 Melius est humiliari cum mitibus, quam dividere spolia cum superbis.
Better is a meek-spirited [man] with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.
20 Eruditus in verbo reperiet bona: et qui sperat in Domino, beatus est.
[He who is] skillful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.
21 Qui sapiens est corde, appellabitur prudens: et qui dulcis eloquio, maiora reperiet.
[Men] call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.
22 Fons vitae eruditio possidentis: doctrina stultorum fatuitas.
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
23 Cor sapientis erudiet os eius: et labiis eius addet gratiam.
The heart of the wise will discern the [things which proceed] from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.
24 Favus mellis, composita verba: dulcedo animae, sanitas ossium.
Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.
25 Est via quae videtur homini recta: et novissima eius ducunt ad mortem.
There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell. (questioned)
26 Anima laborantis laborat sibi, quia compulit eum os suum:
A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from [him] his own ruin.
27 Vir impius fodit malum, et in labiis eius ignis ardescit.
But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.
28 Homo perversus suscitat lites: et verbosus separat principes.
A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.
29 Vir iniquus lactat amicum suum: et ducit eum per viam non bonam.
A transgressor tries [to ensnare] friends, and leads them in ways [that are] not good.
30 Qui attonitis oculis cogitat prava, mordens labia sua perficit malum.
And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace of wickedness.
31 Corona dignitatis senectus, quae in viis iustitiae reperietur.
Old age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.
32 Melior est patiens viro forti: et qui dominatur animo suo, expugnatore urbium.
A man slow to anger is better than a strong [man]; and he that governs [his] temper better than he that takes a city.
33 Sortes mittuntur in sinum, sed a Domino temperantur.
All [evils] come upon the ungodly into [their] bosoms; but all righteous things [come] of the Lord.
