The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD

1The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.

2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes,

but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.

3Commit your works to the LORD

and your plans will be achieved.

4The LORD has made everything for His purpose—

even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD;

be assured that he will not go unpunished.

6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD,

He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

8Better a little with righteousness

than great gain with injustice.

9A man’s heart plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king;

his mouth must not betray justice.

11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;

all the weights in the bag are His concern.

12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings,

for a throne is established through righteousness.

13Righteous lips are a king’s delight,

and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death,

but a wise man will pacify it.

15When a king’s face brightens, there is life;

his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!

To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

17The highway of the upright leads away from evil;

he who guards his way protects his life.

18Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble

than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20Whoever heeds instruction will find success,a

and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21The wise in heart are called discerning,

and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth

and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death.

26A worker’s appetite works for him

because his hunger drives him onward.

27A worthless man digs up evil,

and his speechb is like a scorching fire.

28A perverse man spreads dissension,

and a gossip divides close friends.

29A violent man entices his neighbor

and leads him down a path that is not good.

30He who winks his eye devises perversity;

he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is attained along the path of righteousness.

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.

33The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the LORD.