Proverbs

⁶By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man–not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil. ⁷When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. ⁸Better is a little with righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation and right standing with God) than great revenues with injustice. [Ps. 37:16; Prov. 15:16.] ⁹A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. [Ps. 37:23; Prov. 20:24; Jer. 10:23.] ¹⁰Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment. ¹¹A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights of the bag are His work [established on His eternal principles]. ¹²It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).