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Proverbs 16 NCV/NIV - Online Parallel Bible

New Century Version (NCV) New International Version (NIV)
1 People may make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true. 1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord will judge your reasons. 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
4 The Lord makes everything go as he pleases. He has even prepared a day of disaster for evil people. 4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The Lord hates those who are proud. They will surely be punished. 5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Love and truth bring forgiveness of sin. By respecting the Lord you will avoid evil. 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When people live so that they please the Lord, even their enemies will make peace with them. 7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 It is better to be poor and right than to be wealthy and dishonest. 8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
9 People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do. 9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
10 The words of a king are like a message from God, so his decisions should be fair. 10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
11 The Lord wants honest balances and scales; all the weights are his work. 11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair. 12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings like honest people; they value someone who speaks the truth. 13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.
14 An angry king can put someone to death, so a wise person will try to make him happy. 14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15 A smiling king can give people life; his kindness is like a spring shower. 15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver! 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
17 Good people stay away from evil. By watching what they do, they protect their lives. 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
18 Pride will destroy a person; a proud attitude leads to ruin. 18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be humble and be with those who suffer than to share stolen property with the proud. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy. 20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise are known for their understanding. Their pleasant words make them better teachers. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
22 Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it, but foolishness brings punishment to fools. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 Wise people's minds tell them what to say, and that helps them be better teachers. 23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
26 The workers' hunger helps them, because their desire to eat makes them work. 26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
27 Useless people make evil plans, and their words are like a burning fire. 27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A useless person causes trouble, and a gossip ruins friendships. 28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
29 Cruel people trick their neighbors and lead them to do wrong. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 Someone who winks is planning evil, and the one who grins is planning something wrong. 30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is like a crown of honor; it is earned by living a good life. 31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
32 Patience is better than strength. Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city. 32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 People throw lots to make a decision, but the answer comes from the Lord. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.