Proverbs 14:1-9

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

14 The wise woman^[a] builds her house,
    but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.
² Those who walk uprightly fear the Lord,
    but one who is devious in conduct despises him.^(A)
3 The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,^[b]
    but the lips of the wise preserve them.^(B)
4 Where there are no oxen, there is no grain;
    abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
⁵ A faithful witness does not lie,
    but a false witness breathes out lies.^(C)
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
    but knowledge is easy for one who understands.
⁷ Leave the presence of a fool,
    for there you do not find words of knowledge.
⁸ It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go,
    but the folly of fools misleads.^(D)
9 Fools mock at the guilt offering,^[c]
    but the upright enjoy God’s favor.