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16:1 The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 16:2 All one's ways may be pure in one's own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. 16:5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the LORD; be assured, they will not go unpunished. 16:6 By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one avoids evil. 16:7 When the ways of people please the LORD, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them. 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice. 16:9 The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. 16:10 Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment. 16:11 Honest balances and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work. 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves those who speak what is right. 16:14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and whoever is wise will appease it. 16:15 In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their way preserve their lives. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. 16:20 Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the LORD. 16:21 The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness. 16:22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools. 16:23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips. 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 16:25 Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death. 16:26 The appetite of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on. 16:27 Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire. 16:28 A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 16:29 The violent entice their neighbors, and lead them in a way that is not good. 16:30 One who winks the eyes plans perverse things; one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass. 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. 16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city. 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the LORD's alone.