Proverbs 16 (KJV)

33 verses · King James Version · Formal equivalence (word-for-word)

The King James Version is the most influential English Bible translation in history. Commissioned by King James I and completed in 1611, it shaped the English language itself. Its majestic prose and formal accuracy make it beloved for memorization and liturgical use.

Proverbs Chapter 16 contains 33 verses and is presented here in the King James Version (KJV), which uses a formal equivalence (word-for-word) approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

NIVESVNLTMSGNASB
Chapter 15Chapter 17

1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. <sup>preparations: or, disposings</sup>

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

3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. <sup>Commit: Heb. Roll</sup>

4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. <sup>unpunished: Heb. held innocent</sup>

6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

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

8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. <sup>A divine: Heb. Divination</sup>

11A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work. <sup>the weights: Heb. the stones</sup>

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! and to get understanding 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 an haughty spirit before a fall.

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

20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. <sup>handleth: or, understandeth a matter</sup>

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. <sup>teacheth: Heb. maketh wise</sup>

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

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

26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. <sup>He: Heb. The soul of him that</sup> <sup>craveth: Heb. boweth unto him</sup>

27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. <sup>An: Heb. A man of Belial</sup>

28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. <sup>soweth: Heb. sendeth forth</sup>

29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be 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 the LORD.

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About This Translation

What is Proverbs 16 in the KJV?

Proverbs 16 in the King James Version (KJV) contains 33 verses. The KJV uses a formal equivalence (word-for-word) approach, first published in 1611.

How does the KJV translate Proverbs 16 differently?

The King James Version uses formal equivalence (word-for-word), preserving the classic English of 1611. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 16 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 16 (KJV)?

Proverbs Chapter 16 contains 33 verses in the King James Version. The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters total.

Proverbs (KJV) — All 31 Chapters