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Proverbs 16 (TNIV)
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1 To human beings belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2 People may think all their ways are pure,
but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. 4 5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. 7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone's way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them. 8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice. 9 In their hearts human beings plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps. 10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice. 11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making. 12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness. 13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value persons who speak what is right. 14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it. 15 When a king's face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver! 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives. 18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud. 20 Those who give heed to instruction prosper,
and blessed are those who trust in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction. 22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools. 23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction. 24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death. 26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on. 27 Scoundrels plot evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. 28 The perverse stir up dissension,
and gossips separate close friends. 29 The violent entice their neighbors
and lead them down a path that is not good. 30 Those who wink with their eyes are plotting perversity;
those who purse their lips are bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness. 32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
those with self-control than those who take a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD. 
