Gary Miller Ministry

Proverbs 16 (Complete Jewish Bible)

1A person is responsible to prepare his heart, but how the tongue speaks is from ADONAI.2All a man's ways are pure in his own view, but ADONAI weighs the spirit.3If you entrust all you do to ADONAI, your plans will achieve success.4ADONAI made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of disaster.5ADONAI detests all those with proud hearts; be assured that they will not go unpunished.6Grace and truth atone for iniquity, and people turn from evil through fear of ADONAI.7When a man's ways please ADONAI, he makes even the man's enemies be at peace with him.8Better a little with righteousness than a huge income with injustice.9A person may plan his path, but ADONAI directs his steps.10Divine inspiration is on the lips of the king, so his mouth must be faithful when he judges.11The balance and scales of justice have their origin in ADONAI; all the weights in the bag are his doing.12It is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne is made secure by righteousness.13The king should delight in righteous lips, and he should love someone who speaks what is right.14The king's anger is a herald of death, and one who is wise will appease it.15When the king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like the clouds that bring spring rain.16How much better than gold it is to gain wisdom! Yes, rather than money, choose to gain understanding.17Avoiding evil is the highway of the upright; he who watches his step preserves his life.18Pride goes before destruction, and arrogance before failure.19Better to be humble among the poor than share the spoil with the proud.20He who has skill in a matter will succeed; he who trusts in ADONAI will be happy.21A wise-hearted person is said to have discernment, and sweetness of speech adds to learning.22Common sense is a fountain of life to one who has it, whereas fools are punished by their own folly.23The wise man's heart teaches his mouth, and to his lips it adds learning.24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healing for the body.25There can be a way which seems right to a person, but at its end are the ways of death.26A working man's appetite acts on his behalf, because his hunger presses him on.27A worthless person digs up evil [gossip] it is like scorching fire on his lips.28A deceitful person stirs up strife, and a slanderer can separate even close friends.29A violent man lures his neighbor astray and leads him into evil ways.30One who winks knowingly is planning deceit; one who pinches his lips together has already done wrong.31White hair is a crown of honor obtained by righteous living.32He who controls his temper is better than a war hero, he who rules his spirit better than he who captures a city.33One can cast lots into one's lap, but the decision comes from ADONAI.