Your Daily Bread

Proverbs 16
We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer. 2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. 3 Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed. 4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for punishment. 5 The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished. 6 Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the LORD. 7 When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them. 8 It is better to be poor and godly than rich and dishonest. 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. 10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. 11 The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard. 12 A king despises wrongdoing, for his rule depends on his justice. 13 The king is pleased with righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly. 14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise do what they can to appease it. 15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver! 17 The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. 19 It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. 20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy. 21 The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it's well presented. 22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. 23 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. 24 Kind words are like honey -- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. 25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on. 27 Scoundrels hunt for scandal; their words are a destructive blaze. 28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. 29 Violent people deceive their companions, leading them down a harmful path. 30 With narrowed eyes, they plot evil; without a word, they plan their mischief. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. 32 It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city. 33 We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.