Provérbios 16

1 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,

but the answer of the tongue is from the  Lord.  * 16:1 Pr 16:9; 19:21

2 All a person’s ways seem right to him,

but the Lord weighs motives.  * 16:2 Lit spirits,* 16:2 1Sm 16:7; Pr 17:3; 19:21; 21:2

3 Commit your activities to the  Lord,

and your plans will be established.  * 16:3 Ps 37:4–5

4 The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose —

even the wicked for the day of disaster.  * 16:4 Ex 9:16; Rm 9:21–22

5 Everyone 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

6 Iniquity 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

7 When a person’s ways please the  Lord,

he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.  * 16:7 2Ch 17:10

8 Better a little with righteousness

than great income with injustice.  * 16:8 Ps 37:16; Pr 15:16–17; 16:19; 28:6

9 A 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

10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;  * 16:10 Or A divination is on the lips of a king,* 16:10 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

11 Honest 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

12 Wicked 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

13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he loves one who speaks honestly.

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death,

but a wise person appeases it.  * 16:14 Ec 10:4

15 When a king’s face lights up, there is life;

his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

16 Get 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

17 The highway of the upright  * 16:17 Is 35:8 avoids evil;

the one who guards his way protects his life.  * 16:17 Pr 2:11–13; 15:19

18 Pride 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

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble  * 16:19 Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted,* 16:19 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

20 The 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

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech  * 16:21 Lit and sweetness of lips increases learning.  * 16:21 Pr 1:5; 9:9; 16:23

22 Insight is a fountain of life  * 16:22 Pr 10:11; 13:14; 14:27 for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23 The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;

it adds learning to his speech.  * 16:23 Lit learning upon his lips,* 16:23 Ps 37:30; Pr 1:5; 9:9; Mt 12:34

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:  * 16:24 Ps 19:10; Pr 15:26

sweet to the taste  * 16:24 Lit throat and health to the body.  * 16:24 Lit bones,* 16:24 Pr 4:22; 15:30; 25:13

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

but its end is the way to death.  * 16:25 Pr 14:12; 24:20

26 A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger  * 16:26 Lit mouth urges him on.

27 A 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

28 A contrary person spreads conflict,

and a gossip separates close friends.  * 16:28 Pr 6:14,19; 17:9; 26:20–21; 28:25

29 A 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

30 The 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

31 Gray 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

32 Patience 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

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the  Lord.  * 16:33 Pr 16:1; 19:21; 21:31