19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste,
but to turn from evil(A)
is an abomination to fools.

20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

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Stay away from a foolish man;
you will gain no knowledge from his speech.(A)

The sensible man’s wisdom is to consider his way,
but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

Fools mock at making restitution,[a]
but there is goodwill among the upright.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:9 Or at guilt offerings

16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,(A)
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.[a]

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
and a man who schemes is hated.(B)

18 The inexperienced inherit foolishness,
but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:16 Or and falls

29 A patient person shows great understanding,(A)
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

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A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.(A)

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14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge,(A)
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.(B)

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10 A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person
more than a hundred lashes into a fool.

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16 Why does a fool have money in his hand
with no intention of buying wisdom?(A)

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24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive,
but a fool’s eyes(A) roam to the ends of the earth.

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28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent,
discerning when he seals his lips.(A)

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A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.[a](A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:2 Lit to uncover his heart

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.(A)

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