The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 16

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 16 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “The preparations of the heart are man's, but the answer of the tongue is from HaShem.” — the complete text of all 33 verses is below, free to read online.

1The preparations of the heart are man's, but the answer of the tongue is from HaShem.

2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but HaShem weigheth the spirits.

3Commit thy works unto HaShem, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4HaShem hath made every things for His own purpose, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to HaShem; my hand upon it! he shall not be unpunished.

6By mercy and truth iniquity is expiated; and by the fear of HaShem men depart from evil.

7When a man's ways please HaShem, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.

9A man's heart deviseth his way; but HaShem directeth his steps.

10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth trespasseth not in judgment.

11A just balance and scales are HaShem'S; all the weights of the bag are His work.

12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the humble, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; and whoso trusteth in HaShem, happy is he.

21The wise in heart is called a man of discernment; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; but folly is the chastisement of fools.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

26The hunger of the labouring man laboureth for him; for his mouth compelleth him.

27An ungodly man diggeth up evil, and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth familiar friends.

29A man of violence enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.

30He that shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things; he that biteth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

31The hoary head is a crown of glory, it is found in the way of righteousness.

32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of HaShem.

33 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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