Day 146: Good conduct

Proverbs continues to paint its picture of contrasts. Good versus evil, laziness versus hard work, honesty versus lies.
Wisdom, the better way
Proverbs 15:20-33
Warning against pride
Proverbs 16:1-5
The better way of life
Proverbs 16:6-26
Warning against violence
Proverbs 16: 27-33
Good conduct
Proverbs 17:1-28, 18:1-5
A fool’s words
Proverbs 18:6-9
Warnings against pride
Proverbs 18:10-14
The way of knowledge and justice
Proverbs 18:15-18
The power of the tongue
Proverbs 18:19-24
Personal conduct
Proverbs 19:1-29

With chapter 16, the contrasts change. No longer between two human ways of behaviour, one good, one bad, now it’s between God and humans. Whatever God does is right and true and everlasting, whatever humans do, falls short.
Similarly with the king - he is described in a way that represents God. He is pleased with justice and right dealing, and angered by folly and sin.
In the midst of the little pieces of mosaic are occasional gems - the verses that I know, because they are often quoted. These are the pieces that shine with their own light, that we admire for themselves, but it is better to let the whole thing wash over you, and begin to sense the bigger picture.