Proverbs 16:21-33

New International Version

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

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

²³ The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,^(C)
    and their lips promote instruction.^[b](D)

²⁴ Gracious words are a honeycomb,^(E)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.^(F)

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

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

²⁷ A scoundrel^(I) plots evil,
    and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.^(J)

²⁸ A perverse person stirs up conflict,^(K)
    and a gossip separates close friends.^(L)

²⁹ A violent person entices their neighbor
    and leads them down a path that is not good.^(M)

³⁰ Whoever winks^(N) with their eye is plotting perversity;
    whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of splendor;^(O)
    it is attained in the way of righteousness.

³² Better a patient person than a warrior,
    one with self-control than one who takes a city.

³³ The lot is cast^(P) into the lap,
    but its every decision^(Q) is from the Lord.^(R)