--- title: "Proverbs 16 — World English Bible | Favorite Scriptures" description: "Read Proverbs 16 in the World English Bible. Free Bible reading, no account needed. Browse books and chapters, then save favorite passages in your personal library." last_updated: "2026-10-08" doc_version: "1" language: "en" canonical: "https://favoritescriptures.com/bible/proverbs/16" --- [Home](/)/[Bible](/bible)/[Proverbs](/bible/proverbs)/16 World English Bible # Proverbs 16 [1](#verse-1) The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. [2](#verse-2) All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives. [3](#verse-3) Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed. [4](#verse-4) The LORD has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. [5](#verse-5) Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished. [6](#verse-6) By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. [7](#verse-7) When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. [8](#verse-8) Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. [9](#verse-9) A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps. [10](#verse-10) Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. [11](#verse-11) Honest balances and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work. [12](#verse-12) It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness. [13](#verse-13) Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth. [14](#verse-14) The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. [15](#verse-15) In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. [16](#verse-16) How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. [17](#verse-17) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. [18](#verse-18) Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. [19](#verse-19) It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. [20](#verse-20) He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed. [21](#verse-21) The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. [22](#verse-22) Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly. [23](#verse-23) The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. [24](#verse-24) Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. [25](#verse-25) There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. [26](#verse-26) The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on. [27](#verse-27) A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire. [28](#verse-28) A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. [29](#verse-29) A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. [30](#verse-30) One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. [31](#verse-31) Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. [32](#verse-32) One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. [33](#verse-33) The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. [← Proverbs 15](/bible/proverbs/15)[Proverbs 17 →](/bible/proverbs/17) World English Bible · Public domain ## Keep what speaks to you. Create a free library to save passages, highlight verses, and keep your study notes together. [Start your free library](/login?mode=signup) ## Sitemap See the [complete sitemap](/sitemap.md).