Open English Translation PROV Chapter 16

16 People make their own plans,

→ then Yahweh decides what will happen.

2 People always tell themselves that they’re doing the right thing,

^ but Yahweh evaluates their motives.

3 Entrust what you’re doing to Yahweh,

→ and your plans will be effective.

4 Yahweh makes everything for his purpose,

→ even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5 Yahweh detests every person who’s arrogant—

→ they certainly won’t go unpunished.

6 Disobedience can be made up for by faithfulness and loyal commitment,

and those who respect and honour Yahweh avoid doing what’s evil.

7 When Yahweh is pleased with a person’s behaviour,

→ he causes even his enemies to be at peace with them.

8 It’s better to have just a little from doing what’s right,

than a large income acquired dishonestly.

9 People plan their ways in their minds,

→ but Yahweh directs their steps.

10 Inspired judgements come from the king’s lips.

When making judgements, his mouth must not betray justice.

11 Honest scales and balances come from Yahweh.

≈ The weights in the bag are his work.

12 Wicked behavior is detestable for kings,

≈ because a throne is established by doing what’s right.

13 Kings appreciate lips that say what’s right,

and they value people who tell the truth.

14 A king’s rage is a messenger of death,

→ and wise people will appease it.

15 When a king’s face brightens, there’s life.

His favour is like a rain cloud in the spring.

16 It’s better to acquire wisdom than gold,

and to choose understanding rather than silver.

17 The highway of godly people steers them away from evil.

≈ Anyone who carefully considers their path, protects their life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,

≈ and arrogance before a stumble.

19 It’s better to live humbly among poor people,

^ than to be dividing up the plunder with the proud.

20 The person who gives attention to a matter will succeed,

≈ and those who put their trust in Yahweh will be blessed.

21 A person with a wise nature will be called ‘understanding’,

and pleasant lips are more persuasive.

22 Having insight is like a fountain of life,

^ but disciplining fools would be foolishness.

23 The wise person’s mind gives insight to their mouth,

≈ and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

24 Kind messages are like the honey in a honeycomb,

→ sweet for the self-esteem, and healing for the bones.

25 There’s a clear path right in front of a person,

→ but its end is the ways to death.

26 The workers’ appetites work on their behalf,

→ because their hunger presses them on.

… 27 A worthless person dredges up scandal,

→ and it’s like scorching fire on their lips.

28 Perverse people stir up strife,

→ then it separates close friends.

29 Violent people deceive their neighbours,

→ and lead them on a path that isn’t good.

30 Those who shut their eyes are planning perverse things.

≈ People who purse their lips are doing evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendour,

that’s found with a life of doing what’s right.

32 It’s better to be slow to get angry than to be powerful,

≈ and better to be able to control yourself than to capture a city.

33 The dice are thrown onto the table,

^ but Yahweh determines their fall.