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When the ways of people please the Lord,
    he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.(A)
Better is a little with righteousness
    than large income with injustice.
The human mind plans the way,
    but the Lord directs the steps.(B)

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When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
    he causes their enemies to make peace(A) with them.(B)

Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(C) with injustice.(D)

In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.(E)

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.(A)
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
    those who guard their way preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.(B)
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor
    than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,
    and happy are those who trust in the Lord.(C)
21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,
    and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,
    but folly is the punishment of fools.(D)
23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(A) rather than silver!(B)

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

18 Pride(D) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit(E) before a fall.(F)

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](G)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(H)

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

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

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

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,(M)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.(N)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
  2. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
  3. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive