Proverbs 16:1-15

English Standard Version

16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but ^(A)the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
^2 (B)All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord ^(C)weighs the spirit.^[a]
3 (D)Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.
^4 (E)The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even ^(F)the wicked for the day of trouble.
⁵ Everyone who is arrogant in heart is ^(G)an abomination to the Lord;
    ^(H)be assured, he will not go unpunished.
⁶ By ^(I)steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by ^(J)the fear of the Lord one ^(K)turns away from evil.
⁷ When a man's ways please the Lord,
    ^(L)he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
^8 (M)Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
^9 (N)The heart of man plans his way,
    but ^(O)the Lord establishes his steps.
^10 (P)An oracle is on the lips of a king;
    his mouth does not sin in judgment.
^11 (Q)A just balance and scales are the Lord's;
    all the weights in the bag are his work.
¹² It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
    for ^(R)the throne is established by righteousness.
^13 (S)Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
    and he loves him who speaks what is right.
^14 (T)A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
    and a wise man will ^(U)appease it.
^15 (V)In the light of a king's face there is life,
    and his ^(W)favor is like ^(X)the clouds that bring the spring rain.