16 The
preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from
the LORD. 2 All
the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the
spirits. 3 Commit
thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. 4 The
LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day
of evil. 5 Every
one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand
join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By
mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart
from evil. 7 When
a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace
with him. 8 Better
is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. 9 A
man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. 10 A
divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not
in judgment. 11 A
just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are
his work. 12 It
is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established
by righteousness. 13 Righteous
lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. 14 The
wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify
it. 15 In
the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud
of the latter rain. 16 How
much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather
to be chosen than silver!
17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way
preserveth his soul. 18 Pride
goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better
it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil
with the proud. 20 He
that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the
LORD, happy is he. 21 The
wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth
learning. 22 Understanding
is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools
is folly. 23 The
heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant
words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There
is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death. 26 He
that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. 27 An
ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 28 A froward
man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A violent
man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30 He
shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth
evil to pass. 31 The
hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32 He
that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his
spirit than he that taketh a city. 33 The
lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.