Proverbs 16:9-11
New Catholic Bible
9 A man may plan his own course,
but the Lord makes his steps secure.[a]
The Justice of Kings[b]
10 The lips of a king utter inspired oracles;
he does not err when he pronounces judgment.
11 Accurate scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag[c] are his concern.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 16:9 When making plans for our future, we must always remember that they depend on God’s will: “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall live to do this or that” (Jas 4:15).
- Proverbs 16:10 A ruler’s true greatness lies in making use of his power to dispense justice inspired by the sentiments of God. Were there any kings even in Israel who were completely faithful to such an ideal?
- Proverbs 16:11 The Lord desires that all scales be accurate (see Prov 11:1; 20:23; Ezek 45:10). All the weights in the bag: in their bags merchants carried various sizes of stones for weighing money; money was paid by weight, since coins were unknown. God condemns fraud.
Proverbs 16:9-11
New International Version
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.(A)
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.(B)
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.(C)
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