Proverbs 16:7-31

When people live so that they please the LORD, even their enemies will make peace with them. It is better to be poor and right than to be wealthy and dishonest. People may make plans in their minds, but the LORD decides what they will do. The words of a king are like a message from God, so his decisions should be fair. The LORD wants honest balances and scales; all the weights are his work. Kings hate those who do wrong, because governments only continue if they are fair. Kings like honest people; they value someone who speaks the truth. An angry king can put someone to death, so a wise person will try to make him happy. A smiling king can give people life; his kindness is like a spring shower. It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver! Good people stay away from evil. By watching what they do, they protect their lives. Pride leads to destruction; a proud attitude brings ruin. It is better to be humble and be with those who suffer than to share stolen property with the proud. Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the LORD will be happy. The wise are known for their understanding. Their pleasant words make them better teachers. Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it, but foolishness brings punishment to fools. Wise people’s minds tell them what to say, and that helps them be better teachers. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy. Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death. The workers’ hunger helps them, because their desire to eat makes them work. Useless people make evil plans, and their words are like a burning fire. A useless person causes trouble, and a gossip ruins friendships. Cruel people trick their neighbors and lead them to do wrong. Someone who winks is planning evil, and the one who grins is planning something wrong. Gray hair is like a crown of honor; it is earned by living a good life.

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