Proverbs Chapter 16
King James Version (KJV)
Other Translations
darby (darby) - eBible.org Darby 1890 plaintext
1
The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
3
Commit thy works unto Jehovah, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4
Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5
Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held innocent.
6
By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of Jehovah [men] depart from evil.
7
When a man's ways please Jehovah, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8
Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.
9
The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.
10
An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment.
11
The just balance and scales are Jehovah'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 aright.
14
The fury 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 fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!
17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that taketh heed to his way keepeth his soul.
18
Pride [goeth] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19
Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the meek, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20
He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.
21
The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22
Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.
23
The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning.
24
Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.
25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.
26
The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.
27
A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire.
28
A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.
29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.
30
He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.
31
The hoary head is a crown of glory, [if] it is 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 decision is of Jehovah.
lxxbrent (lxxbrent) - Septuagint (Brenton 1851) eBible USFM
2
All the works of the humble [man] are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.
5
Every one that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless.
7
The beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices.
8
He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace.
9
All the works of the Lord [are done] with righteousness; and the ungodly [man] is kept for the evil day.
10
[There is] an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgment.
11
The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures.
12
An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.
13
Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.
14
The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.
15
The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.
16
The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.
17
The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.
18
Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.
19
Better is a meek-spirited [man] with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.
20
[He who is] skilful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.
21
[Men] call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.
22
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
23
The heart of the wise will discern the [things which proceed] from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.
24
Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.
25
There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.
26
A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from [him] his own ruin.
27
But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.
28
A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.
29
A transgressor tries [to ensnare] friends, and leads them in ways [that are] not good.
30
And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evils: he is a furnace of wickedness.
31
Old age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.
32
A man slow to anger is better than a strong [man]; and he that governs [his] temper better than he that takes a city.
33
All [evils] come upon the ungodly into [their] bosoms; but all righteous things [come] of the Lord.
vul1914 (vul1914) - Vulgate 1914 UTF-8 (sacredbible.org)
1
Hominis est animam præparare: et Domini gubernare linguam.
2
Omnes viæ hominis patent oculis eius: spirituum ponderator est Dominus.
3
Revela Domino opera tua, et dirigentur cogitationes tuæ.
4
Universa propter semetipsum operatus est Dominus: impium quoque ad diem malum.
5
Abominatio Domini est omnis arrogans: etiamsi manus ad manum fuerit, non est innocens. Initium viæ bonæ, facere iustitiam: accepta est autem apud Deum magis, quam immolare hostias.
6
Misericordia et veritate redimitur iniquitas: et in timore Domini declinatur a malo.
7
Cum placuerint Domino viæ hominis, inimicos quoque eius convertet ad pacem.
8
Melius est parum cum iustitia, quam multi fructus cum iniquitate.
9
Cor hominis disponit viam suam: sed Domini est dirigere gressus eius.
10
Divinatio in labiis regis, in iudicio non errabit os eius.
11
Pondus et statera iudicia Domini sunt: et opera eius omnes lapides sacculi.
12
Abominabiles regi qui agunt impie: quoniam iustitia firmatur solium.
13
Voluntas regum labia iusta: qui recta loquitur, diligetur:
14
Indignatio regis, nuncii mortis: et vir sapiens placabit eam.
15
In hilaritate vultus regis, vita: et clementia eius quasi imber serotinus.
16
Posside sapientiam, quia auro melior est: et acquire prudentiam, quia pretiosior est argento.
17
Semita iustorum declinat mala: custos animæ suæ servat viam suam.
18
Contritionem præcedit superbia: et ante ruinam exaltatur spiritus.
19
Melius est humiliari cum mitibus, quam dividere spolia cum superbis.
20
Eruditus in verbo reperiet bona: et qui sperat in Domino, beatus est.
21
Qui sapiens est corde, appellabitur prudens: et qui dulcis eloquio, maiora percipiet.
22
Fons vitæ eruditio possidentis: doctrina stultorum fatuitas.
23
Cor sapientis erudiet os eius: et labiis eius addet gratiam.
24
Favus mellis, composita verba: dulcedo animæ, sanitas ossium.
25
Est via quæ videtur homini recta: et novissima eius ducunt ad mortem.
26
Anima laborantis laborat sibi, quia compulit eum os suum:
27
Vir impius fodit malum, et in labiis eius ignis ardescit.
28
Homo perversus suscitat lites: et verbosus separat principes.
29
Vir iniquus lactat amicum suum: et ducit eum per viam non bonam.
30
Qui attonitis oculis cogitat prava, mordens labia sua perficit malum.
31
Corona dignitatis senectus, quæ in viis iustitiæ reperietur.
32
Melior est patiens viro forti: et qui dominatur animo suo, expugnatore urbium.
33
Sortes mittuntur in sinum, sed a Domino temperantur.
web (web) - WorldEnglish.Bible — CC0 modern update of ASV
1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but 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 weighs the motives.
3
Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
4
The LORD has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished.
6
By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8
Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.
9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
10
Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.
11
Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12
It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.
14
The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15
In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
16
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20
He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.
21
The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
22
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
23
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
26
The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on.
27
A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.
28
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
29
A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.
30
One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
31
Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
32
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
ylt (ylt) - Bible.com YLT98 plain UTF-8
1
Of man <FI>are<Fi> arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.
2
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.
3
Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,
4
All things hath Jehovah wrought for Himself, And also the wicked <FI>worketh<Fi> for a day of evil.
5
An abomination to Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
6
In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of Jehovah Turn thou aside from evil.
7
When a man's ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
8
Better <FI>is<Fi> a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without justice.
9
The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.
10
An oath <FI>is<Fi> on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.
11
A just beam and balances <FI>are<Fi> Jehovah's, His work <FI>are<Fi> all the stones of the bag.
12
An abomination to kings <FI>is<Fi> doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
13
The delight of kings <FI>are<Fi> righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
14
The fury of a king <FI>is<Fi> messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
15
In the light of a king's face <FI>is<Fi> life, And his good-will <FI>is<Fi> as a cloud of the latter rain.
16
To get wisdom--how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
17
A highway of the upright <FI>is<Fi> , `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
18
Before destruction <FI>is<Fi> pride, And before stumbling--a haughty spirit.'
19
Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
20
The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
21
To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
22
A fountain of life <FI>is<Fi> understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
23
The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
24
Sayings of pleasantness <FI>are<Fi> a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
25
There is a way right before a man, And its latter end--ways of death.
26
A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused <FI>him<Fi> to bend over it.
27
A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips--as a burning fire.
28
A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.
30
Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
31
A crown of beauty <FI>are<Fi> grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
32
Better <FI>is<Fi> the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
33
Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> all its judgment!
Explanations by Age Level
Explain Like I'm 5
A long, long time ago, there was nothing at all - no earth, no sky, no animals, no people. It was all dark and empty. But God was there! God is so powerful that He can make anything just by speaking. So God said "Let there be light!" and BOOM! There was light everywhere! God saw that the light was beautiful and good. He called the light "day" and the darkness "night." This was the very first day when God started making our wonderful world!
Explain Like I'm 10
Before anything existed - no planets, stars, or life - God decided to create the universe. The earth started out as a dark, empty place covered with water. But God's Spirit was there, ready to bring order and beauty to everything. When God spoke and said "Let there be light," light immediately appeared because God's words have incredible power. God looked at the light and was pleased with what He had made. He organized time by separating light (day) from darkness (night), creating the first 24-hour period. This shows us that God is organized and purposeful in everything He does.
Explain Like I'm 15
Genesis 1:1-5 establishes fundamental theological truths about God and creation. The Hebrew word "bara" (created) indicates creation from nothing (ex nihilo), demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and power. The phrase "without form and void" (tohu wa-bohu) describes a state of chaos that God transforms into order. The Spirit of God "hovering" or "brooding" over the waters suggests active, caring involvement in creation. The creation of light before the sun (created on day 4) indicates that God Himself is the ultimate source of light and energy. The establishment of day and night creates the framework of time, showing that God operates within orderly patterns while transcending them. This passage refutes both atheistic materialism and pantheism, establishing that God is both transcendent (separate from creation) and immanent (actively involved in it).