Proverbs 16:8-17

Christian Standard Bible

⁸ Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.^(A)

⁹ A person’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps.^(B)

¹⁰ God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;^[a](C)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.^(D)

¹¹ Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his concern.^(E)

¹² Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,^(F)
since a throne is established through righteousness.^(G)

¹³ Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

¹⁴ A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise person appeases it.^(H)

¹⁵ When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

¹⁶ Get wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding—
it is preferable to silver.^(I)

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