Proverbs 16

All 33 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

Read Proverbs 16 in the Bible reader, with audio →

1. 1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2. 2All a person's ways seem right to them, but the LORD weighs the spirits.
3. 3Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
4. 4The LORD has made all things for himself — even the wicked for the day of evil.
5. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6. 6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged, and by the fear of the LORD people depart from evil.
7. 7When a person's ways please the LORD, He makes even their enemies be at peace with them.
8. 8It is better to have a little with righteousness than to have great wealth without right.
9. 9A person's heart plans their course, but the LORD directs their steps.
10. 10A divine sentence is on the lips of the king; his mouth does not err in judgment.
11. 11Honest scales and balances are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12. 12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13. 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love the one who speaks right.
14. 14The wrath of a king is like messengers of death, but a wise person will calm it.
15. 15In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud bringing the late rain.
16. 16How much better it is to gain wisdom than gold! And choosing understanding is better than choosing silver!
17. 17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; whoever keeps their way preserves their soul.
18. 18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19. 19It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20. 20Whoever handles a matter wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD will be happy.
21. 21The wise in heart will be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22. 22Understanding is a source of life to the one who has it, but the teaching of fools is foolishness.
23. 23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lips.
24. 24Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25. 25There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end, it leads to the ways of death.
26. 26The one who works, works for himself, because his mouth demands it from him.
27. 27An ungodly person digs up evil, and on their lips is a burning fire.
28. 28A deceitful person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29. 29A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them into a way that is not good.
30. 30He closes his eyes to plan perverse things; by moving his lips, he brings evil to pass.
31. 31Gray hair is a crown of glory if it is found in the way of righteousness.
32. 32The person who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and the one who controls their spirit is better than the one who captures a city.
33. 33The lot is cast into the lap, but its entire outcome is from the LORD.