Proverbs 16:16-33

16:16 Get wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding—
it is preferable to silver.

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.

18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble[Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted]
than to divide plunder with the proud.

20 The one who understands a matter finds success,
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech[Lit and sweetness of lips] increases learning.

22 Insight is a fountain of life 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.[Lit learning upon his lips]

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb:
sweet to the taste[Lit throat] and health to the body.[Lit bones]

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

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

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

28 A contrary person spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.

29 A violent person lures his neighbor,
leading him on a path that is not good.

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

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown;
it is found in the ways of righteousness.

32 Patience is better than power,
and controlling one’s emotions,[Lit and ruling over one’s spirit] than capturing a city.

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

CSB