Proverbs 16:10-21

New International Version

¹⁰ The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
    and his mouth does not betray justice.^(A)

¹¹ Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
    all the weights in the bag are of his making.^(B)

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁸ Pride^(L) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit^(M) before a fall.^(N)

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](O)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(P)

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