Proverbs 16:9-20

New International Version

⁹ In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.^(A)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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