Proverbs 16:4-21

New International Version

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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