Add parallel Print Page Options

In the mouth of a fool is the rod of pride,
    but the lips of the wise preserve them.

Read full chapter

The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.

Read full chapter

Leave the presence of a foolish man,[a]
    for you will not come to know words of knowledge.[b]
The wisdom of the clever is understanding his ways,
    but the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock[c] the guilt offering,
    but among the upright, it is favorable.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:7 Literally “from the presence belonging to a man of foolishness”
  2. Proverbs 14:7 Literally “lips of knowledge”
  3. Proverbs 14:9 Hebrew “he mocks”

Stay away from a foolish man,
    for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.
The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
    but the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at making atonement for sins,
    but among the upright there is good will.

Read full chapter

15 The simple will believe every word,
    but the clever will consider his step.
16 The wise is cautious and turns from evil,
    but the fool throws off restraint and is confident.
17 He who is short of temper[a] will act foolishly,
    and the man who schemes will be hated.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:17 Literally “nostril”

15 A simple man believes everything,
    but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
16 A wise man fears and shuns evil,
    but the fool is hot headed and reckless.
17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly,
    and a crafty man is hated.

Read full chapter