Proverbs 14:15-26

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁵ The simple believe everything,
    but the clever consider their steps.
¹⁶ The wise are cautious and turn away from evil,
    but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.
¹⁷ One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly,
    and the schemer is hated.
¹⁸ The simple are adorned with^[a] folly,
    but the clever are crowned with knowledge.
¹⁹ The evil bow down before the good,
    the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
²⁰ The poor are disliked even by their neighbors,
    but the rich have many friends.
²¹ Those who despise their neighbors are sinners,
    but happy are those who are kind to the poor.
²² Do they not err that plan evil?
    Those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.
²³ In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.
²⁴ The crown of the wise is their wisdom,^[b]
    but folly is the garland^[c] of fools.
²⁵ A truthful witness saves lives,
    but one who utters lies is a betrayer.
²⁶ In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,
    and one’s children will have a refuge.