Proverbs 16:16-23

New International Version

¹⁶How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight^(A) rather than silver!^(B)

¹⁷The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.^(C)

¹⁸Pride^(D) goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit^(E) before a fall.^(F)

¹⁹Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.

²⁰Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,^[a]^(G)
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(H)

²¹The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.^[b]^(I)

²²Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,^(J)
but folly brings punishment to fools.

²³The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,^(K)
and their lips promote instruction.^[c]^(L)

Proverbs 16:16-23

King James Version

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.

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.

New International Version (NIV)