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Proverbs / God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
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Introduction: The Purpose of Proverbs and the Fear of the Lord Warning Against Enticement by Sinners Wisdom's Public Call and the Folly of Rejection The Value of Wisdom and Its Protection Trusting God and Walking in Wisdom A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Fidelity Warnings: Surety, Laziness, and Wickedness Obey Parental Commands and the Dangers of Adultery The Example of a Young Man Seduced Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings Contrasting Invitations of Wisdom and Folly Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living Wise Conduct, Diligence, and Righteous Speech Discipline, Wealth, and the Wise Child Sayings on Wisdom, Folly, and the Fear of the Lord The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Relations and Righteousness: Peace, Speech, and Integrity The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship Advice on Wealth, Conduct, and Discipline Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role Reputation, Generosity, and Child Discipline Sayings of the Wise: Practical Moral Instruction Solomon's Proverbs on Restraint and Leadership Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds Friendship, Counsel, and Practical Wisdom for Life Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations Advice to King Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman

God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans

Proverbs 16:1-33

16
Chapter 16
1 The arrangements of the heart belong to man, and from the LORD is the answer of the tongue. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits. 3 Roll your works onto the LORD, and they will establish your plans. 4 Every work of the LORD is for its purpose, and even the wicked for a day of evil. 5 Every haughty heart is an abomination to the LORD; hand to hand, he will not be cleared. 6 By steadfast love and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil. 7 When the LORD takes pleasure in a man's ways, even his enemies make peace with him. 8 It is better to have little in righteousness than much produce without justice. 9 A person's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. 10 Divination is on the lips of a king; his mouth will not act treacherously in judgment. 11 A level and balances of justice are the LORD's work; all the stones of the bag belong to him. 12 The abomination of kings is doing wickedness, for by righteousness a throne is established. 13 Kings favor the lips of the righteous, and they love the words of the upright. 14 The wrath of a king is messengers of death; but a wise man will atone for them. 15 In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the harvest season. 16 To acquire wisdom—how much better than gold!—and to acquire understanding is chosen more than silver. 17 The path of the upright turns aside from evil; he who keeps his life force preserves his way. 18 Pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19 It is better to have a lowly spirit with the poor and oppressed than a share of spoil with the exalted ones. 20 The one who is wise concerning the word finds good, and the one who trusts in the LORD is blessed! 21 To the wise of heart he will call discerning, and sweet lips will add learning. 22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to its owners, and the discipline of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise makes his mouth discerning, and he adds instruction to his lips. 24 Pleasant words that flow like honey are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a straight way before a man, but its end is ways of death. 26 The soul of a toiler toils for him, for his mouth forces him. 27 A man of Belial digs up moral evil, and on his lips is a burning coal like fire. 28 A man of turnings sends spoil, and a whisperer separates friends. 29 A man of violence entices his companion and leads him in a way that is not good. 30 The counsel of his eyes is to reckon turnings. He winks his lips; she finishes evil. 31 A crown of splendor is old age; in the way of righteousness you will find it. 32 It is better to be slow of nostrils than mighty and to rule one's spirit than to capture a city. 33 In the bosom the lot is cast, and from the LORD is all its judgment.