Proverbs 16:5-18

Christian Standard Bible Anglicised

⁵ Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;^(A)
be assured,^[a] he will not go unpunished.^(B)

⁶ Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,^(C)
and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.^(D)

⁷ When a person’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.^(E)

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

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

¹⁰ God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;^[b](H)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgement.^(I)

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

¹² Wicked behaviour is detestable to kings,^(K)
since a throne is established through righteousness.^(L)

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.^(M)

¹⁵ When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favour 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.^(N)

¹⁷ The road of the upright^(O) avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.^(P)

¹⁸ Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.^(Q)