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The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
16Verse 1The plans of the heart belong to man,but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.Verse 2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes,but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.Verse 3Commit your works to the LORDand your plans will be achieved.Verse 4The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.Verse 5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD;be assured that he will not go unpunished.Verse 6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.Verse 7When a man’s ways please the LORD,He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.Verse 8Better a little with righteousnessthan great gain with injustice.Verse 9A man’s heart plans his course,but the LORD determines his steps.Verse 10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king;his mouth must not betray justice.Verse 11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;all the weights in the bag are His concern.Verse 12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings,for a throne is established through righteousness.Verse 13Righteous lips are a king’s delight,and he who speaks honestly is beloved.Verse 14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death,but a wise man will pacify it.Verse 15When a king’s face brightens, there is life;his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.Verse 16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.Verse 17The highway of the upright leads away from evil;he who guards his way protects his life.Verse 18Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall.Verse 19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humblethan to divide the spoil with the proud.Verse 20Whoever heeds instruction will find success,+and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.Verse 21The wise in heart are called discerning,and pleasant speech promotes instruction.Verse 22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor,but the discipline of fools is folly.Verse 23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouthand adds persuasiveness to his lips.Verse 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.Verse 25There is a way that seems right to a man,but its end is the way of death.Verse 26A worker’s appetite works for himbecause his hunger drives him onward.Verse 27A worthless man digs up evil,and his speech+is like a scorching fire.Verse 28A perverse man spreads dissension,and a gossip divides close friends.Verse 29A violent man entices his neighborand leads him down a path that is not good.Verse 30He who winks his eye devises perversity;he who purses his lips is bent on evil.Verse 31Gray hair is a crown of glory;it is attained along the path of righteousness.Verse 32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior,and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.Verse 33The lot is cast into the lap,but its every decision is from the LORD.