Proverbs 16

English GNT (Good News Translation)

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1We may make our plans, but God has the last word.

2You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives.

3Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

4Everything the Lord has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked is destruction.

5The Lord hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment.

6Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the Lord and nothing evil will happen to you.

7When you please the Lord, you can make your enemies into friends.

8It is better to have a little, honestly earned, than to have a large income, dishonestly gained.

9You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

10The king speaks with divine authority; his decisions are always right.

11The Lord wants weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair.

12Kings cannot tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong.

13A king wants to hear the truth and will favor those who speak it.

14A wise person will try to keep the king happy; if the king becomes angry, someone may die.

15The king's favor is like the clouds that bring rain in the springtime—life is there.

16It is better—much better—to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver.

17Those who are good travel a road that avoids evil; so watch where you are going—it may save your life.

18Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

19It is better to be humble and stay poor than to be one of the arrogant and get a share of their loot.

20Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy.

21A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.

22Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time.

23Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.

24Kind words are like honey—sweet to the taste and good for your health.

25What you think is the right road may lead to death.

26A laborer's appetite makes him work harder, because he wants to satisfy his hunger.

27Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.

28Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.

29Violent people deceive their friends and lead them to disaster.

30Watch out for people who grin and wink at you; they have thought of something evil.

31Long life is the reward of the righteous; gray hair is a glorious crown.

32It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

33People cast lots to learn God's will, but God himself determines the answer.

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