Proverbs 16:8-17
Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.