Proverbs 16:3-20

New International Version

³ Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.^(A)

⁴ The Lord works out everything to its proper end^(B)—
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.^(C)

⁵ The Lord detests all the proud of heart.^(D)
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.^(E)

⁶ Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
    through the fear of the Lord^(F) evil is avoided.^(G)

⁷ When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
    he causes their enemies to make peace^(H) with them.^(I)

⁸ Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain^(J) with injustice.^(K)

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁵ When a king’s face brightens, it means life;^(S)
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.^(T)

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

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

¹⁸ Pride^(X) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit^(Y) before a fall.^(Z)

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](AA)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.^(AB)