Proverbs 10:11-21

English Standard Version

^11 (A)The mouth of the righteous is ^(B)a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked ^(C)conceals violence.
¹² Hatred stirs up strife,
    but ^(D)love covers all offenses.
¹³ On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
    but ^(E)a rod is for the back of him who ^(F)lacks sense.
¹⁴ The wise ^(G)lay up knowledge,
    but ^(H)the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
^15 (I)A rich man's wealth is his strong city;
    the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
¹⁶ The wage of the righteous leads ^(J)to life,
    the gain of the wicked to sin.
¹⁷ Whoever heeds instruction is on ^(K)the path to life,
    but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
¹⁸ The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
    and whoever utters slander is a fool.
^19 (L)When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    ^(M)but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is ^(N)choice silver;
    the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
²¹ The lips of the righteous feed many,
    but fools die for ^(O)lack of sense.