Add parallel Print Page Options

·Fools will be punished for their proud words [The talk of fools is a rod for their back; or In the mouth of fools is a sprig of pride],
but the ·words [L lips] of the wise will protect them.

Read full chapter


In the mouth of the [arrogant] [a]fool [who rejects God] is a rod for his back,
But the lips of the wise [when they speak with godly wisdom] will protect them.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:3 See note 1:7.

Stay away from fools,
because they ·can’t teach you anything [L don’t have knowledgeable lips].

The wisdom of a ·wise [prudent] person will understand ·what to do [L his path],
but the folly of a foolish person is ·dishonest [deceptive].

Fools ·don’t care if they sin [L mock a penalty/guilt/reparation offering; Lev. 5:14—6:7],
but ·honest people work at being right [those with integrity/virtue are favored].

Read full chapter


Leave the presence of a [shortsighted] fool,
For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips.

The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,
But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit.

Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools],
But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.(A)

Read full chapter

15 ·Fools [The naive] will believe anything,
but the ·wise [prudent] ·think about what they do [understand their steps].

16 Wise people ·are careful [fear] and stay ·out of trouble [away from evil],
but fools ·are careless [or get mad] and ·quick to act [or feel safe].

17 Someone with a quick temper ·does foolish things [makes stupid mistakes],
but ·someone with understanding remains calm [or schemers are hated].

Read full chapter

15 
The naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears,
But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going.
16 
A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil,
But the fool is arrogant and careless.
17 
A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and without self-control,
And a man of wicked schemes is hated.

Read full chapter