⁸ Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice.
⁹ The mind of a ^(A)person plans his way,
But ^(B)the Lord directs his steps.
¹⁰ A divine ^(C)verdict is on the lips of the king;
His mouth should not ^[a]err in judgment.
¹¹ A ^(D)just balance and scales belong to the Lord;
All the ^[b]weights of the bag are His ^[c]concern.
¹² It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,
Because a ^(E)throne is established on righteousness.
¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And one who speaks right is loved.
¹⁴ The fury of a king is like messengers of death;
But a wise person will appease it.
¹⁵ In the light of a king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud with the ^[d](F)spring rain.
¹⁶ How much ^(G)better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
¹⁷ The ^(H)highway of the upright is to turn away from evil;
One who watches his way protects his ^[e]life.
^18 (I)Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.