Proverbs 16:1-33 NLT We can make our own plans, but the L ord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the L ord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the L ord , and your plans will succeed. The L ord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. The L ord detests the proud; they will surely be punished. Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the L ord , people avoid evil. When people’s lives please the L ord , even their enemies are at peace with them. Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. We can make our plans, but the L ord determines our steps. The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. The L ord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness. A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice. The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly. The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it. When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the L ord will be joyful. The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on. Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze. A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path. With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. We may throw the dice, but the L ord determines how they fall.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:05:16 +0000
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