Proverbs 16:16-23

New International Version

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

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

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

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](G)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(H)

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

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

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