🪨 Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.

Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.” Proverbs 16 opens with these words: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.” The line to keep is Proverbs 16:6: “By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.” Carry the word “mercy” from that verse into the rest of the day.

The line worth learning out loud is Proverbs 16:6: “By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.

What happens first in Proverbs 16? Then try this: Read “By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.