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The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,[a]
    but the lips of the wise preserve them.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 14.3 Cn: Heb a rod of pride

By the mouth of a fool comes (A)a rod for his back,[a]
    (B)but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:3 Or In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride

Leave the presence of a fool,
    for there you do not find words of knowledge.
It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go,
    but the folly of fools misleads.(A)
Fools mock at the guilt offering,[a]
    but the upright enjoy God’s favor.

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Footnotes

  1. 14.9 Meaning of Heb uncertain

Leave the presence of a fool,
    for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
    but the folly of fools is deceiving.
(A)Fools mock at the guilt offering,
    but the upright enjoy acceptance.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:9 Hebrew but among the upright is acceptance

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.(A)
17 One who is quick-tempered acts foolishly,
    and the schemer is hated.(B)

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15 (A)The simple believes everything,
    but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
16 (B)One who is wise is cautious[a] and (C)turns away from evil,
    but a fool is reckless and careless.
17 A man of (D)quick temper acts foolishly,
    and a man of evil devices is hated.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:16 Or fears [the Lord]