18 Pride(A) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit(B) before a fall.(C)

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

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

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

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

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

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,(J)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.(K)

25 There is a way that appears to be right,(L)
    but in the end it leads to death.(M)

26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
    their hunger drives them on.

27 A scoundrel(N) plots evil,
    and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
  2. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
  3. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

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

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

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

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

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

26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

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