Proverbs 16:12-22

New International Version

¹² Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.^(A)

¹³ Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value the one who speaks what is right.^(B)

¹⁴ A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,^(C)
    but the wise will appease it.^(D)

¹⁵ When a king’s face brightens, it means life;^(E)
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.^(F)

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

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

¹⁸ Pride^(J) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit^(K) before a fall.^(L)

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](M)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(N)

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

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