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Proverbs 16
New Life Version
Proverbs 16
New Life Version
16 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the thoughts of the heart.
3 Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well.
4 The Lord has made all things for His own plans, even the sinful for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is a shame to the Lord. For sure, that one will be punished.
6 Sin has been paid for by loving-kindness and truth. The fear of the Lord keeps one away from sin.
7 When the ways of a man are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even those who hate him to be at peace with him.
8 A little earned in a right way is better than much earned in a wrong way.
9 The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord shows him what to do.
10 The lips of the king should decide as God would. His mouth should not sin in deciding what is right or wrong.
11 What is fair in telling the weight of something belongs to the Lord. He cares about all the weights of the bag.
12 It is a hated thing for kings to do what is wrong. For a throne is built on what is right.
13 Lips that speak what is right and good are the joy of kings, and he who speaks the truth is loved.
14 The anger of a king carries death, but a wise man will quiet it.
15 Life is in the light of a king’s face, and his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.
16 To get wisdom is much better than getting gold. To get understanding should be chosen instead of silver.
17 The road of the faithful turns away from sin. He who watches his way keeps his life.
18 Pride comes before being destroyed and a proud spirit comes before a fall.
19 It is better to be poor in spirit among poor people, than to divide the riches that were taken with the proud.
20 He who listens to the Word will find good, and happy is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding. And to speak in a pleasing way helps people know what you say is right.
22 Understanding is a well of life to him who has it, but to speak strong words to fools is of no use.
23 The heart of the wise has power over his mouth and adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasing words are like honey. They are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that looks right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26 A workman’s hunger works for him. The need of his mouth pushes him on.
27 A man of no worth looks for wrong-doing. His words are like burning fire.
28 A bad man spreads trouble. One who hurts people with bad talk separates good friends.
29 A man who hurts people tempts his neighbor to do the same, and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He who winks his eyes plans to do bad things. He who closes his lips allows sinful things to happen.
31 Hair that is turning white is like a crown of honor. It is found in the way of being right with God.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the powerful. And he who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city.
33 Man decides by throwing an object into the lap, but it is the Lord only who decides.
Proverbs 16
New International Version
Proverbs 16
New International Version
16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.(A)
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.(E)
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord(J) evil is avoided.(K)
7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace(L) with them.(M)
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.(P)
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.(Q)
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.(R)
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.(S)
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.(T)
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.(AA)
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a](AE)
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(AF)
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,(AH)
but folly brings punishment to fools.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.(AS)
30 Whoever winks(AT) with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;(AU)
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
- Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
- Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive
New Life Version (NLV)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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