Proverbs 16:14-33 ▼

14 A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it.

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.

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 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 increases learning.

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

23 A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.

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

26 A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger urges him on.

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

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

29 A violent man lures his neighbor, leading him in a way 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 way of righteousness.

32 Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.

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