Proverbs Chapter 16
1 We have intentions,
but Yahveh provides the proper course of action.
2Our ways may seem pure to us,
but Yahveh weighs our motives.
3 Commit your work to Yahveh,
and you’ll succeed.
4Yahveh has a purpose for everything,
even for sinners in troubled times.
5 Yahveh detests arrogant people
and makes sure they’re punished.
6Loyalty and faithfulness atone for sin;
respecting Yahveh avoids evil.
Prov 16:1-6
7 When we please Yahveh,
he even makes our enemies live in peace with us.
8A little with goodness is better
than a lot with dishonesty.
9 You can make your plans,
but Yahveh directs the steps you’ll take.
10A king needs to make inspired decisions;
he can’t afford to err in his judgments.
11 Yahveh requires accurate scales and balances;
he sets the standard for every weight in the bag.
12An evil king is especially detestable;
a throne needs to be based on goodness.
Prov 16:7-12
13 Godly words delight a king;
he loves people that tell the truth.
14A king’s anger is a death sentence;
the wise will appease it.
15 There’s life in a king’s countenance;
his blessing is like clouds that bring spring rain.
16Getting wisdom is better than getting gold!
Choose insight above silver.
17 The road of the upright leads away from evil;
those who watch where they’re going preserve their life.
18Pride goes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:13-18
19 Better to nurture a humble spirit
than share plunder with the proud.
20By attending to Yahveh’s word, we find what’s good;
he blesses us who trust in him.
21 The wise in heart we consider insightful;
their pleasant words seem more persuasive.
22Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise,
but foolishness disciplines fools.
23 The wise think carefully about what they say,
which adds power to their comments.
24Pleasant words are like honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Prov 16:19-24
25 There’s a way that seems right,
but it leads to death.
26The workers’ appetite works for them
because their hunger drives them on.
27 Worthless people plot evil;
what they say is like a scorching fire.
28Perverse persons spread conflict;
slanderers alienate friends.
29 Violent people tempt their friends
and lead them off in the wrong direction.
30Those who wink devise perverse things;
they who purse their lips bring about evil.
Prov 16:25-30
31 A gray head is a crown of honor
gained by a good life.
32Those who are slow to lose their temper
are stronger than the powerful;
the ones that rule their spirit
are better than troops that capture a city.
33 We cast lots in the lap,
but Yahveh determines how they fall.
Prov 16:31-33