AMP ▾Proverbs ▾16 ▾Proverbs 161The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the L ord .2All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the L ord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. [1 Sam 16:7; Heb 4:12]3Commit your works to the L ord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].4The L ord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil.5Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the L ord ; Be assured he will not go unpunished. [Prov 8:13; 11:20, 21]6By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear of the L ord one avoids evil.7When a man’s ways please the L ord , He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.8Better is a little with righteousness Than great income [gained] with injustice. [Ps 37:16; Prov 15:16]9A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the L ord directs his steps and establishes them. [Ps 37:23; Prov 20:24; Jer 10:23]10A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment. [Deut 17:18-20;11A just balance and [honest] scales are the L ord ’ s ; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].12It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved.14The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it.15In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. [Prov 8:10, 19]17The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul).18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.19It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).20He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the L ord .21The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].22Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips.24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.25There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.26The appetite of a worker works for him, For his hunger urges him on.27A worthless man devises and digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire.28A perverse man spreads strife, And one who gossips separates intimate friends. [Prov 17:9]29A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin], And leads him in a way that is not good.30He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass.31The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. [Prov 20:29]32He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.33The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the L ord .Proverbs 15Proverbs 17