Proverbs 16:1 says, The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.   We may devise our own plans because we have free will, but God is the One Who has the true answer to what we should do in any situation.  Verse two states, All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.  We may justify our actions to ourself, but God is the One Who ultimately judges whether our actions are correct or not.  God even judges the reason behind the action.  Verse three says, Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.  When we are truly committed to following God's will for our lives, we will have our thoughts guided by the Holy Spirit, so they will be consistent with God's will.  Verse four declares, The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.  God created it all for Himself.  We were created to serve God, but He gives us a choice.  I don't believe that this verse means that God created some people as evil, but that He has prepared a place for evil people, which includes all who will not acknowledge Him.  Verse five says, Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  The proud in heart, those that believe they do not need God, are an abomination to God.  They may band together, but this does not change the truth of God.  Verse six states, By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.  The evil in our lives can only be purged by accepting Christ as Savior and Lord.  We cannot make ourselves good enough to be accepted by God, but can only accept His merciful and gracious gift of salvation.  Verse seven states, When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.  I believe that this is saying that when we follow God's will for our lives, we will be at peace in the world.  No one will be able to find a reason to be at war with us based on our actions.  This does not say that we will not have enemies, because we will.  Those who follow Satan and the ways of the world will always be against God's people.  Verse eight declares, Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.  People too often want the riches of the world more than the righteousness of God.  Still, we are told we are better off poor, or with little, with a right relationship with God than with great riches without Him.  Verse nine states, A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.  We may have a plan for our life, but if it is to be successful we must allow God to direct our steps.  I believe this means to follow God with each step we take.  Verse ten states, A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.  Just as a king's judgment is absolute, so much more so is the judgment of God.  Verse eleven proclaims, A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.  God will always deal with us fairly and honestly, and I believe He expects the same of us in the way we deal with others.  Verse twelve says, It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.  For kings or rulers to commit wickedness is an abomination, since they should be doing what is best for their people.  Verse thirteen states, Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.  Just as rulers should be righteous, so should those that he rules.  We should not expect righteous rulers if we ourselves are not righteous.  Verse six says, The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.  They verse fifteen adds, In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.  In some countries rulers have absolute authority.  This was especially true in the days of the Old Testament.  It is always best to pacify such rulers when possible, but we can never do so at the cost of our relationship with God.  As much as possible, we are to obey the law and life will be easier.  Verse sixteen declares, How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!  Wisdom and understanding, which can only come through having a right relationship with God, are to be valued above silver and gold.