Aa
1The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.16:1 Pr 16:9; 19:21

2All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs motives.16:2 Lit spirits16:2 1Sm 16:7; Pr 17:3; 19:21; 21:2

3Commit your activities to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.16:3 Ps 37:4–5

4The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose —
even the wicked for the day of disaster.16:4 Ex 9:16; Rm 9:21–22

5Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;16:5 2Ch 32:25; Pr 6:16–17; 8:13
be assured,16:5 Lit hand to hand he will not go unpunished.16:5 Ps 101:5; Pr 11:21; 16:18

6Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,16:6 Dn 4:27; Lk 11:41
and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.16:6 Jb 28:28; Pr 3:7; 14:16

7When a person’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.16:7 2Ch 17:10

8Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.16:8 Ps 37:16; Pr 15:16–17; 16:19; 28:6

9A person’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps.16:9 Ps 37:23; Pr 16:1; 19:21; 20:24; Jr 10:23

10God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;16:10 Or A divination is on the lips of a king16:10 2Sm 14:17,20; 1Kg 3:28
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.16:10 2Sm 23:2–3; Pr 18:14–15

11Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his concern.16:11 Lv 19:36; Pr 11:1; Ezk 45:10; Mc 6:11

12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,16:12 Pr 31:3–5
since a throne is established through righteousness.16:12 Ps 101; Pr 25:5

13Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise person appeases it.16:14 Ec 10:4

15When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

16Get wisdom —
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding —
it is preferable to silver.16:16 Pr 3:14; 8:10,19; 22:1

17The highway of the upright16:17 Is 35:8 avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.16:17 Pr 2:11–13; 15:19

18Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.16:18 Pr 11:2; 16:5; 18:12; 29:23; Dn 4:37; Ob 3–4

19Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble16:19 Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted16:19 Pr 29:23; Is 57:15
than to divide plunder with the proud.16:19 Ex 15:9; Ps 37:16; Pr 1:13–14; 15:16–17; 16:8

20The one who understands a matter finds success,16:20 Pr 19:8
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.16:20 Ps 2:12; 34:8; 40:4; 84:12; 146:5; Jr 17:7

21Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech16:21 Lit and sweetness of lips increases learning.16:21 Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:23

22Insight is a fountain of life16:22 Pr 10:11; 13:14; 14:27 for its possessor,
but the discipline of fools is folly.

23The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;
it adds learning to his speech.16:23 Lit learning upon his lips16:23 Ps 37:30; Pr 1:5; 9:9; Mt 12:34

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb:16:24 Ps 19:10; Pr 15:26
sweet to the taste16:24 Lit throat and health to the body.16:24 Lit bones16:24 Pr 4:22; 15:30; 25:13

25There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death.16:25 Pr 14:12; 24:20

26A worker’s appetite works for him
because his hunger16:26 Lit mouth urges him on.

27A worthless person digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.16:27 Pr 6:12; 19:28; 26:23; Jms 3:6

28A contrary person spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.16:28 Pr 6:14,19; 17:9; 26:20–21; 28:25

29A violent person lures his neighbor,16:29 Pr 1:10
leading him on a path that is not good.16:29 1Sm 12:23; Ps 36:4; Pr 28:10

30The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.16:30 Ps 35:19; Pr 6:12–14; 10:10

31Gray hair is a glorious crown;16:31 Lv 19:32; Pr 4:9; 20:29
it is found in the ways of righteousness.16:31 Pr 3:1–2

32Patience is better than power,
and controlling one’s emotions,16:32 Lit and ruling over one’s spirit than capturing a city.16:32 Pr 25:15,28; 29:11

33The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.16:33 Pr 16:1; 19:21; 21:31