Pro 16 | BSB | STEP | The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue [is] from the LORD.

‏ Proverbs 16

The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD

1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue [is] from the LORD. 2 All a man’s ways [are] pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved. 4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster. 5 Everyone [who is] proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished. 6 By loving devotion and truth, wickedness is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD [a man] turns aside from evil. 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even [the man’s] enemies live at peace with him. 8 Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. 10 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth should not betray justice. 11 Honest scales and balances [are from] the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern. 12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. 14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold; to gain understanding is more desirable than silver. 17 The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 Whoever heeds instruction will find success, ^{▼▼Or whoever speaks prudently will find what is good} and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart will be called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise [man] instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 26 A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. 27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech ^{▼▼Hebrew what is on his lips} is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path [that is] not good. 30 He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair [is] a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. 32 [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 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.