16
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man,
But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Loʀᴅ.
2 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 Loʀᴅ weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. [1 Sam 16:7; Heb 4:12]
3 Commit your works to the Loʀᴅ [submit and trust them to Him],
And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].
4 The Loʀᴅ has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil.
5 Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Loʀᴅ;
Be assured he will not go unpunished. [Prov 8:13; 11:20, 21]
6 By mercy and lovingkindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart,
And by the fear of the Loʀᴅ one avoids evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the Loʀᴅ,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income [gained] with injustice. [Ps 37:16; Prov 15:16]
9 A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life],
But the Loʀᴅ directs his steps and establishes them. [Ps 37:23; Prov 20:24; Jer 10:23]
10 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. [Deut 17:18-20; 2 Sam 14:17-20; 1 Kin 3:9-12; Is 11:2]
11 A just balance and [honest] scales are the Loʀᴅ’s;
All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].
12 It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly,
For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.
14 The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death,
But a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. [Prov 8:10, 19]
17 The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil;
He who guards his way protects his life (soul).
18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).
20 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 Loʀᴅ.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].
22 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.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom]
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him,
But its end is the way of death.
26 The appetite of a worker works for him,
For his hunger urges him on.
27 A worthless man devises and digs up evil,
And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man spreads strife,
And one who gossips separates intimate friends. [Prov 17:9]
29 A violent and exceedingly covetous man entices his neighbor [to sin],
And leads him in a way that is not good.
30 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.
31 The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory;
It is found in the way of righteousness. [Prov 20:29]
32 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.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Loʀᴅ.