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The Lord Has the Final Word

16 We humans make plans,
but the Lord
    has the final word.
We may think we know
    what is right,
but the Lord is the judge
    of our motives.
Share your plans with the Lord,
    and you will succeed.

The Lord has a reason
    for everything he does,
and he lets evil people live
    only to be punished.
The Lord doesn't like
    anyone who is conceited—
you can be sure
    they will be punished.
(A) If we truly love God,
    our sins will be forgiven;
if we show him respect,
    we will keep away from sin.
When we please the Lord,
even our enemies
    make friends with us.
(B) It's better to be honest
    and poor
than to be dishonest
    and rich.

We make our own plans,
but the Lord decides
    where we will go.
10 Rulers speak with authority
    and are never wrong.
11 The Lord watches to see
if we are fair
    or if we cheat others.
12 Justice makes rulers powerful.
They should hate evil
13     and like honesty and truth.
14 An angry ruler
    can put you to death.
So be wise!
    Don't make one angry.
15 When a ruler is happy
    and pleased with you,
it's like refreshing rain,
    and you will live.

16 It's much better to be wise
and sensible
    than to be rich.
17 God's people avoid evil ways,
and they protect themselves
    by watching where they go.
18 Too much pride
    will destroy you.
19 You are better off
    to be humble and poor
than to get rich
    from what you take by force.
20 If you know what you're doing,[a]
    you will prosper.
God blesses everyone
    who trusts him.
21 Good judgment proves
    that you are wise,
and if you speak kindly,
    you can teach others.
22 Good sense is a fountain
    that gives life,
but fools are punished
    by their foolishness.
23 You can persuade others
if you are wise
    and speak sensibly.

24 Kind words are like honey—
they cheer you up
    and make you feel strong.
25 (C) Sometimes what seems right
    is really a road to death.
26 The hungrier you are,
    the harder you work.
27 Worthless people plan trouble.
Even their words burn
    like a flaming fire.
28 (D) Gossip is no good!
It causes hard feelings
    and comes between friends.

29 Don't trust violent people.
They will mislead you
    to do the wrong thing.
30 When someone winks
or grins behind your back,
    trouble is on the way.
31 Gray hair is a glorious crown
worn by those
    who have lived right.
32 Controlling your temper
is better than being a hero
    who captures a city.
33 We make our own decisions,
but the Lord alone
    determines what happens.

Footnotes

  1. 16.20 know what … doing: Or “do what you're taught.”

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