Proverbs 16:21-33

English Standard Version

²¹ The wise of heart is called discerning,
    and sweetness of speech ^(A)increases persuasiveness.
²² Good sense is ^(B)a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.
^23 (C)The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
^24 (D)Gracious words are like ^(E)a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and ^(F)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 ^(G)mouth urges him on.
^27 (H)A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech^[b] is like ^(I)a scorching fire.
^28 (J)A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and ^(K)a whisperer ^(L)separates close friends.
²⁹ A man of violence ^(M)entices his neighbor
    and leads him in a way that is not good.
³⁰ Whoever winks his eyes plans^{[c] (N)}dishonest things;
    he who ^(O)purses his lips brings evil to pass.
^31 (P)Gray hair is ^(Q)a crown of glory;
    it ^(R)is gained in a righteous life.
^32 (S)Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
^33 (T)The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is ^(U)from the Lord.