Proverbs 16:18-27

New International Version

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)