Proverbs 16:17-33

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁷ The highway of the upright^(A) avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.^(B)

¹⁸ Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.^(C)

¹⁹ Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble^[a](D)
than to divide plunder with the proud.^(E)

²⁰ The one who understands a matter finds success,^(F)
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.^(G)

²¹ Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech^[b] increases learning.^(H)

²² Insight is a fountain of life^(I) for its possessor,
but the discipline of fools is folly.

²³ The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;
it adds learning to his speech.^[c](J)

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb:^(K)
sweet to the taste^[d] and health to the body.^[e](L)

²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death.^(M)

²⁶ A worker’s appetite works for him
because his hunger^[f] urges him on.

²⁷ A worthless person digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.^(N)

²⁸ A contrary person spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.^(O)

²⁹ A violent person lures his neighbor,^(P)
leading him on a path that is not good.^(Q)

³⁰ The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.^(R)

³¹ Gray hair is a glorious crown;^(S)
it is found in the ways of righteousness.^(T)

³² Patience is better than power,
and controlling one’s emotions,^[g] than capturing a city.^(U)

³³ The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.^(V)