Wisdom
- The plans of the Heart
To man (woman) belong the plans... - Proverb 16
1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from
the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the
LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a
day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will
not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of
the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies
live at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his
steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not
betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the
bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through
righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the
truth.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease
it.
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain
cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding
rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards
his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share
plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who
trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote
instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly
brings punishment to fools.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote
instruction.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the
bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to
death.
26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close
friends.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is
not good.
30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his
lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper
than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the
LORD.
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