English Standard Version

Berean Study Bible

1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.

2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.

2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.

3Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

3Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.

4The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

4The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.

6By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

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

8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.

9The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

10An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.

10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.

11A just balance and scales are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.

12It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.

13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

14A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.

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

16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

17The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.

17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.

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

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

19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

20Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

22Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

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

25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

26A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.

26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.

27A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

27A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

28A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

28A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.

29A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.

29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

30Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.

30He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.

32Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

33The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

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