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

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The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline,[a]
but the lips of the wise protect them.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:3 Some emend to In the mouth of a fool is a rod for his back

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.

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Stay away from a foolish man;
you will gain no knowledge from his speech.(A)

The sensible man’s wisdom is to consider his way,
but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

Fools mock at making restitution,[a]
but there is goodwill among the upright.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:9 Or at guilt offerings

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.

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15 The inexperienced one believes anything,(A)
but the sensible one watches[a] his steps.

16 A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,(B)
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.[b]

17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
and a man who schemes is hated.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:15 Lit the prudent understand
  2. Proverbs 14:16 Or and falls