Proverbs 16

The Lord Has the Final Word

16 We humans make plans,
    but the Lord
        has the final word.
² We may think we know
        what is right,
    but the Lord is the judge
        of our motives.
³ Share your plans with the Lord,
        and you will succeed.

⁴ The Lord has a reason
        for everything he does,
    and he lets evil people live
        only to be punished.
⁵ The Lord doesn’t like
        anyone who is conceited—
    you can be sure
        they will be punished.
⁶ If we truly love God,
        our sins will be forgiven;
    if we show him respect,
        we will keep away from sin.
⁷ When we please the Lord,
    even our enemies
        make friends with us.
⁸ It’s better to be honest
        and poor
    than to be dishonest
        and rich.

⁹ We make our own plans,
    but the Lord decides
        where we will go.
¹⁰ Rulers speak with authority
        and are never wrong.
¹¹ The Lord doesn’t like it
        when we cheat in business.
¹² Justice makes rulers powerful.
    They should hate evil
¹³     and like honesty and truth.
¹⁴ An angry ruler
        can put you to death.
    So be wise!
        Don’t make one angry.
¹⁵ When a ruler is happy
        and pleased with you,
    it’s like refreshing rain,
        and you will live.

¹⁶ It’s much better to be wise
    and sensible
        than to be rich.
¹⁷ God’s people avoid evil ways,
    and they protect themselves
        by watching where they go.
¹⁸ Too much pride
        will destroy you.
¹⁹ You are better off
        to be humble and poor
    than to get rich
        from what you take by force.
²⁰ If you know what you’re doing,
        you will prosper.
    God blesses everyone
        who trusts him.
²¹ Good judgment proves
        that you are wise,
    and if you speak kindly,
        you can teach others.
²² Good sense is a fountain
        that gives life,
    but fools are punished
        by their foolishness.
²³ You can persuade others
    if you are wise
        and speak sensibly.

²⁴ Kind words are like honey—
    they cheer you up
        and make you feel strong.
²⁵ Sometimes what seems right
        is really a road to death.
²⁶ The hungrier you are,
        the harder you work.
²⁷ Worthless people plan trouble.
    Even their words burn
        like a flaming fire.
²⁸ Gossip is no good!
    It causes hard feelings
        and comes between friends.

²⁹ Don’t trust violent people.
    They will mislead you
        to do the wrong thing.
³⁰ When someone winks
    or grins behind your back,
        trouble is on the way.
³¹ Gray hair is a glorious crown
    worn by those
        who have lived right.
³² Controlling your temper
    is better than being a hero
        who captures a city.
³³ We make our own decisions,
    but the Lord alone
        determines what happens.