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16:1  The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
16:2  All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].
16:3  Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].
16:4  The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil.
16:5  Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished.
16:6  By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.
16:7  When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
16:8  Better is a little with righteousness Than great income [gained] with injustice.
16:9  A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
16:10  A divine decision [given by God] is on the lips of the king [as His representative]; His mouth should not be unfaithful or unjust in judgment.
16:11  A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].
16:12  It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).
16:13  Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved.
16:14  The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it.
16:15  In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.
16:16  How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
16:17  The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul).
16:18  Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
16:19  It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).
16:20  He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the Lord.
16:21  The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].
16:22  Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.
16:23  The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
16:24  Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.
16:25  There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.
16:26  The appetite of a worker works for him, For his hunger urges him on.
16:27  A worthless man devises and digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire.
16:28  A perverse man spreads strife, And one who gossips separates intimate friends.
16:29  A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin], And leads him in a way that is not good.
16:30  He who [slyly] winks his eyes does so to plot perverse things; And he who compresses his lips [as if in a secret signal] brings evil to pass.
16:31  The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.
16:32  He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier], And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.
16:33  The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.