Proverbs 16:23-33

English Standard Version

^23 (A)The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
^24 (B)Gracious words are like ^(C)a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and ^(D)health to the body.
²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death.^[a]
26 A worker's appetite works for him;
    his ^(E)mouth urges him on.
^27 (F)A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech^[b] is like ^(G)a scorching fire.
^28 (H)A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and ^(I)a whisperer ^(J)separates close friends.
²⁹ A man of violence ^(K)entices his neighbor
    and leads him in a way that is not good.
³⁰ Whoever winks his eyes plans^{[c] (L)}dishonest things;
    he who ^(M)purses his lips brings evil to pass.
^31 (N)Gray hair is ^(O)a crown of glory;
    it ^(P)is gained in a righteous life.
^32 (Q)Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
^33 (R)The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is ^(S)from the Lord.