Thematic Bible
Proverbs 16:1 (show verse)
But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:2 (show verse)
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].
Proverbs 16:3 (show verse)
And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].
Proverbs 16:4 (show verse)
The Lord has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil.
Proverbs 16:5 (show verse)
Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord;
Be assured he will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:6 (show verse)
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.
Proverbs 16:7 (show verse)
When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:8 (show verse)
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income [gained] with injustice.
Proverbs 16:9 (show verse)
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life],
But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
Proverbs 16:10 (show verse)
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.
Proverbs 16:11 (show verse)
A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s;
All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].
Proverbs 16:12 (show verse)
It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly,
For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).
Proverbs 16:13 (show verse)
Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.
Proverbs 16:14 (show verse)
The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death,
But a wise man will appease it.
Proverbs 16:15 (show verse)
In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.
Proverbs 16:16 (show verse)
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Proverbs 16:17 (show verse)
The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil;
He who guards his way protects his life (soul).
Proverbs 16:18 (show verse)
Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:19 (show verse)
It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).
Proverbs 16:20 (show verse)
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.
Proverbs 16:21 (show verse)
The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].
Proverbs 16:22 (show verse)
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.
Proverbs 16:23 (show verse)
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom]
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Proverbs 16:24 (show verse)
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.
Proverbs 16:25 (show verse)
There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him,
But its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 16:26 (show verse)
The appetite of a worker works for him,
For his hunger urges him on.
Proverbs 16:27 (show verse)
A worthless man devises and digs up evil,
And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire.
Proverbs 16:28 (show verse)
A perverse man spreads strife,
And one who gossips separates intimate friends.
Proverbs 16:29 (show verse)
A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin],
And leads him in a way that is not good.
Proverbs 16:30 (show verse)
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.
Proverbs 16:31 (show verse)
The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory;
It is found in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:32 (show verse)
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.
Proverbs 16:33 (show verse)
The lot is cast into the lap,