Proverbs 18:1-8

The Message

² Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
    all they do is run off at the mouth.

³ When wickedness arrives, shame’s not far behind;
    contempt for life is contemptible.

⁴ Many words rush along like rivers in flood,
    but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.

⁵ It’s not right to go easy on the guilty,
    or come down hard on the innocent.

⁶ The words of a fool start fights;
    do him a favor and gag him.

⁷ Fools are undone by their big mouths;
    their souls are crushed by their words.

⁸ Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy;
    do you really want junk like that in your belly?