Proverbs 16:18-27

English Standard Version

^18 (A)Pride goes before destruction,
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.
^19 (B)It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
    than to ^(C)divide the spoil with the proud.
²⁰ Whoever gives thought to the word^{[a] (D)}will discover good,
    and blessed is he ^(E)who trusts in the Lord.
²¹ The wise of heart is called discerning,
    and sweetness of speech ^(F)increases persuasiveness.
²² Good sense is ^(G)a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.
^23 (H)The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
^24 (I)Gracious words are like ^(J)a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and ^(K)health to the body.
²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death.^[b]
26 A worker's appetite works for him;
    his ^(L)mouth urges him on.
^27 (M)A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech^[c] is like ^(N)a scorching fire.