Proverbs 16 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Proverbs 16 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
ASV The plans of the heart belong to man; But the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
WEB The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
YLT Of man <FI>are<Fi> arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.
DRB It is the part of man to prepare the soul: and of the Lord to govern the tongue.
DBY The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.
GNV The preparations of the heart are in man: but the answere of the tongue is of the Lord.
LSB The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
Verse 2
KJV All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
ASV All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
WEB All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives.
YLT All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.
DRB All the ways of a man are open to his eyes: the Lord is the weigher of spirits.
DBY All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
GNV All the wayes of a man are cleane in his owne eyes: but the Lord pondereth the spirits.
LSB All the ways of a man are pure in his own sight, But Yahweh weighs the motives.
Verse 3
KJV Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
ASV Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.
WEB Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.
YLT Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,
DRB Lay open thy works to the Lord: and thy thoughts shall be directed.
DBY Commit thy works unto Jehovah, and thy thoughts shall be established.
GNV Commit thy workes vnto the Lord, and thy thoughts shalbe directed.
LSB Commit your works to Yahweh And your plans will be established.
Verse 4
KJV The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
ASV Jehovah hath made everything for its own end; Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
WEB Yahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
YLT All things hath Jehovah wrought for Himself, And also the wicked <FI>worketh<Fi> for a day of evil.
DRB The Lord hath made all things for himself: the wicked also for the evil day.
DBY Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
GNV The Lord hath made all things for his owne sake: yea, euen the wicked for the day of euill.
LSB Yahweh has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Verse 5
KJV Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
ASV Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: [Though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
WEB Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished.
YLT An abomination to Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
DRB Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord: though hand should be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The beginning of a good way is to do justice: and this is more acceptable with God, than to offer sacrifices.
DBY Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held innocent.
GNV All that are proude in heart, are an abomination to the Lord: though hand ioyne in hand, he shall not be vnpunished.
LSB Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
Verse 6
KJV By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
ASV By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
WEB By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.
YLT In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of Jehovah Turn thou aside from evil.
DRB By mercy and truth iniquity is redeemed; and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
DBY By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of Jehovah [men] depart from evil.
GNV By mercy and trueth iniquitie shalbe forgiuen, and by the feare of the Lord they depart from euill.
LSB By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of Yahweh one turns away from evil.
Verse 7
KJV When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
ASV When a man`s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
WEB When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
YLT When a man's ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
DRB When the ways of man shall please the Lord, he will convert even his enemies to peace.
DBY When a man's ways please Jehovah, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
GNV When the wayes of a man please the Lord, he will make also his enemies at peace with him.
LSB When a man’s ways are pleasing to Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Verse 8
KJV Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
ASV Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.
WEB Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.
YLT Better <FI>is<Fi> a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without justice.
DRB Better is a little with justice, than great revenues with iniquity.
DBY Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.
GNV Better is a litle with righteousnesse, then great reuenues without equitie.
LSB Better is a little with righteousness Than great produce with injustice.
Verse 9
KJV A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
ASV A man`s heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
WEB A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.
YLT The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.
DRB The heart of man disposeth his way: but the Lord must direct his steps.
DBY The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.
GNV The heart of man purposeth his way: but the Lord doeth direct his steppes.
LSB The heart of man plans his way, But Yahweh directs his steps.
Verse 10
KJV A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
ASV A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment.
WEB Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.
YLT An oath <FI>is<Fi> on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.
DRB Divination is in the lips of the king, his mouth shall not err in judgment.
DBY An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment.
GNV A diuine sentence shalbe in the lips of the King: his mouth shall not transgresse in iudgement.
LSB A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment.
Verse 11
KJV A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
ASV A just balance and scales are Jehovah`s; All the weights of the bag are his work.
WEB Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.
YLT A just beam and balances <FI>are<Fi> Jehovah's, His work <FI>are<Fi> all the stones of the bag.
DRB Weight and balance are judgments of the Lord: and his work all the weights of the bag.
DBY The just balance and scales are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are his work.
GNV A true weight and balance are of the Lord: all the weightes of the bagge are his worke.
LSB A just balance and scales belong to Yahweh; All the weights of the bag are His work.
Verse 12
KJV It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
ASV It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
WEB It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
YLT An abomination to kings <FI>is<Fi> doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
DRB They that act wickedly are abominable to the king: for the throne is established by justice.
DBY It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.
GNV It is an abomination to Kings to commit wickednes: for the throne is stablished by iustice.
LSB It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For in righteousness a throne is established.
Verse 13
KJV Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
ASV Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
WEB Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.
YLT The delight of kings <FI>are<Fi> righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
DRB Just lips are the delight of kings: he that speaketh right things shall be loved.
DBY Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh aright.
GNV Righteous lips are the delite of Kings, and the King loueth him that speaketh right things.
LSB Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks uprightly is loved.
Verse 14
KJV The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
ASV The wrath of a king is [as] messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
WEB The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
YLT The fury of a king <FI>is<Fi> messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
DRB The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: and the wise man will pacify it.
DBY The fury of a king is [as] messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.
GNV The wrath of a King is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacifie it.
LSB The wrath of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will atone for it.
Verse 15
KJV In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
ASV In the light of the king`s countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
WEB In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
YLT In the light of a king's face <FI>is<Fi> life, And his good-will <FI>is<Fi> as a cloud of the latter rain.
DRB In the cheerfulness of the king's countenance is life: and his clemency is like the latter rain.
DBY In the light of the king's countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
GNV In the light of the Kings coutenance is life: and his fauour is as a cloude of the latter raine.
LSB In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the late rain.
Verse 16
KJV How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
ASV How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
WEB How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
YLT To get wisdom--how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
DRB Get wisdom, because it is better than gold: and purchase prudence, for it is more precious than silver.
DBY How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!
GNV Howe much better is it to get wisedome then golde? and to get vnderstanding, is more to be desired then siluer.
LSB How much better it is to acquire wisdom than fine gold! And to acquire understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Verse 17
KJV The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
ASV The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
WEB The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
YLT A highway of the upright <FI>is<Fi> , `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
DRB The path of the just departeth from evils: he that keepeth his soul keepeth his way.
DBY The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that taketh heed to his way keepeth his soul.
GNV The pathe of the righteous is to decline from euil, and hee keepeth his soule, that keepeth his way.
LSB The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; He who guards his way keeps his soul.
Verse 18
KJV Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
ASV Pride [goeth] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
WEB Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
YLT Before destruction <FI>is<Fi> pride, And before stumbling--a haughty spirit.'
DRB Pride goeth before destruction: and the spirit is lifted up before a fall.
DBY Pride [goeth] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
GNV Pride goeth before destruction, and an high minde before the fall.
LSB Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
Verse 19
KJV Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
ASV Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
WEB It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
YLT Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
DRB It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the proud.
DBY Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the meek, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
GNV Better it is to be of humble minde with the lowly, then to deuide the spoyles with the proude.
LSB It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Verse 20
KJV He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
ASV He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.
WEB He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.
YLT The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
DRB The learned in word shall find good things: and he that trusteth in the Lord is blessed.
DBY He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.
GNV He that is wise in his busines, shall finde good: and he that trusteth in the Lord, he is blessed.
LSB He who considers the word will find good, And how blessed is he who trusts in Yahweh.
Verse 21
KJV The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
ASV The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
WEB The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
YLT To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
DRB The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and he that is sweet in words, shall attain to greater things.
DBY The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
GNV The wise in heart shall bee called prudent: and the sweetenesse of the lippes shall increase doctrine.
LSB The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of lips increases learning.
Verse 22
KJV Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
ASV Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is [their] folly.
WEB Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
YLT A fountain of life <FI>is<Fi> understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
DRB Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it: the instruction of fools is foolishness.
DBY Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.
GNV Vnderstading is welspring of life vnto them that haue it: and the instruction of fooles is folly.
LSB Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of ignorant fools is folly.
Verse 23
KJV The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
ASV The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
WEB The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
YLT The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
DRB The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth: and shall add grace to his lips.
DBY The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning.
GNV The heart of the wise guideth his mouth wisely, and addeth doctrine to his lippes.
LSB The heart of the wise gives insight to his mouth And increases learning to his lips.
Verse 24
KJV Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
ASV Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
WEB Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
YLT Sayings of pleasantness <FI>are<Fi> a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
DRB Well ordered words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
DBY Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.
GNV Faire wordes are as an hony combe, sweetenesse to the soule, and health to the bones.
LSB Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Verse 25
KJV There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
ASV There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
WEB There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
YLT There is a way right before a man, And its latter end--ways of death.
DRB There is a way that seemeth to a man right: and the ends thereof lead to death.
DBY There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.
GNV There is a way that seemeth right vnto man: but the issue thereof are the wayes of death.
LSB There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Verse 26
KJV He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
ASV The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him [thereto].
WEB The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; for his mouth urges him on.
YLT A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused <FI>him<Fi> to bend over it.
DRB The soul of him that laboureth, laboureth for himself, because his mouth hath obliged him to it.
DBY The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.
GNV The person that traueileth, traueileth for himselfe: for his mouth craueth it of him.
LSB A worker’s appetite works for him, For his mouth urges him on.
Verse 27
KJV An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
ASV A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
WEB A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.
YLT A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips--as a burning fire.
DRB The wicked man diggeth evil, and in his lips is a burning fire.
DBY A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire.
GNV A wicked man diggeth vp euill, and in his lippes is like burning fire.
LSB A vile man digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like scorching fire.
Verse 28
KJV A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
ASV A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
WEB A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
YLT A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
DRB A perverse man stirreth up quarrels: and one full of words separateth princes.
DBY A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.
GNV A frowarde person soweth strife: and a tale teller maketh diuision among princes.
LSB A perverse man spreads strife, And a whisperer separates close companions.
Verse 29
KJV A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
ASV A man of violence enticeth his neighbor, And leadeth him in a way that is not good.
WEB A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.
YLT A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.
DRB An unjust man allureth his friend: and leadeth him into a way that is not good.
DBY A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.
GNV A wicked man deceiueth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
LSB A man of violence entices his neighbor And leads him in a way that is not good.
Verse 30
KJV He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
ASV He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise perverse things: He that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
WEB One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.
YLT Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.
DRB He that with fixed eyes deviseth wicked things, biting his lips, bringeth evil to pass.
DBY He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.
GNV He shutteth his eyes to deuise wickednes: he moueth his lippes, and bringeth euil to passe.
LSB He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things; He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.
Verse 31
KJV The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
ASV The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness.
WEB Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
YLT A crown of beauty <FI>are<Fi> grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.
DRB Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice.
DBY The hoary head is a crown of glory, [if] it is found in the way of righteousness.
GNV Age is a crowne of glory, when it is founde in the way of righteousnes.
LSB Gray hair is a crown of beauty; It is found in the way of righteousness.
Verse 32
KJV He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
ASV He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city.
WEB One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
YLT Better <FI>is<Fi> the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.
DRB The patient man is better than the valiant: and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh cities.
DBY He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
GNV He that is slowe vnto anger, is better then the mightie man: and hee that ruleth his owne minde, is better then he that winneth a citie.
LSB He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.
Verse 33
KJV The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
ASV The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.
WEB The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.
YLT Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> all its judgment!
DRB Lots are cast into the lap, but they are disposed of by the Lord.
DBY The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole decision is of Jehovah.
GNV The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord.
LSB The lot is cast into the lap, But its every judgment is from Yahweh.