Proverbs 16:17-25

New International Version

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

¹⁸ Pride^(B) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit^(C) before a fall.^(D)

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](E)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(F)

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

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

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

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

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