Proverbs 16:18-25

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction,
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.
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.
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.
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.
²⁵ Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,
    but in the end it is the way to death.