Scripture
1We can make our own plans,
but the Lord gives the right answer.
2People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their motives.
3Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.
4The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5The Lord detests the proud;
they will surely be punished.
6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.
7When people’s lives please the Lord,
even their enemies are at peace with them.
8Better to have little, with godliness,
than to be rich and dishonest.
9We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.
10The king speaks with divine wisdom;
he must never judge unfairly.
11The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;
he sets the standards for fairness.
12A king detests wrongdoing,
for his rule is built on justice.
13The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
he loves those who speak honestly.
14The anger of the king is a deadly threat;
the wise will try to appease it.
15When the king smiles, there is life;
his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold,
and good judgment than silver!
17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
whoever follows that path is safe.
18Pride goes before destruction,
and haughtiness before a fall.
19Better to live humbly with the poor
than to share plunder with the proud.
20Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
21The wise are known for their understanding,
and pleasant words are persuasive.
22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,
but discipline is wasted on fools.
23From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
24Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.
26It is good for workers to have an appetite;
an empty stomach drives them on.
27Scoundrels create trouble;
their words are a destructive blaze.
28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends.
29Violent people mislead their companions,
leading them down a harmful path.
30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.
32Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33We may throw the dice,[1]
but the Lord determines how they fall.
Translation notes (1)
- 16:33 Hebrew We may cast lots.
When people's lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Proverbs 16:7
When it comes to our relationships with God, the goal is always to honor Him and bring Him glory in everything we do. After all, He is the King and worthy of every ounce of our praise. As we strive to honor and glorify Him by obeying His word, we are positively impacted and reap the benefits of living this way. Alternatively, we face the consequences when we live in a disobedient way and dishonor Him.
The book of Proverbs is filled with wise sayings that teach the importance of obedience. For example, the writer of Proverbs 16 wrote, "When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them” (verse 7). This was a way of saying that living a life that honors God leads to a life filled with peace. It does not mean hard and difficult things won’t happen, but it means that God’s peace will be with us through everything. Alternatively, the writer of this Proverb explained, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death" (verse 25). This verse describes people who do whatever they want without thinking about what might please and honor God. This path will always lead us to destruction every time. We face the consequences when we choose to live for ourselves and do whatever we want. We face the path that leads us to destruction. There is a better way, and that is the path that honors God.
We have a choice to make friends. We have to decide how we want to live. Will we honor God and obey Him, or will we live for ourselves? Only one of these paths leads to peace and life. So may we always set our feet on the path God has set before us and find His life and peace.
Moving toward action
Memorize Proverbs 16:25. Let this verse remind you that our actions have consequences. When we honor God and obey Him, we glorify Him and honor Him. We also receive positive consequences. However, we reap the negative consequences of not listening to Him and His word. After committing this verse to memory, bring it to mind as you make decisions. Decide to honor Him in all you do.
Going Deeper
Proverbs 16:1-33
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