Proverbs

16 A man prepares the thoughts of his heart,*

But the answer he gives* is from Jehovah.+

 2 All of a man’s ways seem right* to him,+

But Jehovah examines the motives.*+

 3 Commit to Jehovah whatever you do,*+

And your plans will succeed.

 4 Jehovah has made everything work for his purpose,

Even the wicked for the day of disaster.+

 6 By loyal love and faithfulness, error is atoned for,+

And by fearing Jehovah one turns away from bad.+

 7 When Jehovah is pleased with a man’s ways,

He causes even his enemies to be at peace with him.+

 8 Better is a little with righteousness+

Than a large income without justice.+

 9 A man may plot out his course in his heart,

But it is Jehovah who directs his steps.+

10 Inspired* decision should be on the lips of a king;+

He must never betray justice.+

11 Honest balances and scales are from Jehovah;

All the weights in the bag are his doing.+

12 Wicked practices are detestable to kings,+

For the throne is firmly established by righteousness.+

14 The king’s rage is like a messenger of death,+

But the wise man appeases* it.+

15 In the light of the king’s face there is life;

His favor is like a cloud of rain in spring.+

18 Pride is before a crash,

And a haughty spirit before stumbling.+

19 Better to be humble* among the meek+

Than to share the spoil of the haughty.

20 The one who shows insight in a matter will find success,*

And happy is the one trusting in Jehovah.

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,+

And the one kind in speech* adds persuasiveness.+

22 Insight is a fountain of life to those possessing it,

But fools are disciplined by their own foolishness.

23 The heart of the wise one gives his mouth insight+

And adds persuasiveness to his speech.

24 Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb,

Sweet to the soul* and a healing to the bones.+

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,

But in the end it leads to death.+

26 The appetite* of a laborer makes him work hard

For his hunger* urges him on.+

27 A worthless man digs up what is bad;+

His speech is like a scorching fire.+

28 A troublemaker* causes dissension,+

And a slanderer separates close friends.+

29 A violent man entices his neighbor

And leads him in the wrong way.

31 Gray hair is a crown of beauty*+

When it is found in the way of righteousness.+

32 The one slow to anger+ is better than a mighty man,

And the one controlling his temper* than one conquering a city.+

33 The lot is cast into the lap,+

But every decision by it is from Jehovah.+