Add parallel Print Page Options

28 We think even foolish people are wise if they keep silent.
    We think they understand what is right if they control their tongues.

Read full chapter

Foolish people don’t want to understand.
    They take delight in saying only what they think.

Read full chapter

What foolish people say leads to arguing.
    They are just asking for a beating.

The words of foolish people drag them down.
    They are trapped by what they say.

Read full chapter

19 It is better to be poor and to live without blame
    than to be foolish and to twist words around.

Read full chapter

10 It isn’t proper for a foolish person to live in great comfort.
    And it is much worse when a slave rules over princes!

Read full chapter

29 Those who make fun of others will be judged.
    Foolish people will be punished.

Read full chapter

Avoiding a fight brings honor to a person.
    But every foolish person is quick to argue.

Read full chapter

Saying 10

Don’t speak to foolish people.
    They will laugh at your wise words.

Read full chapter

Saying 23

Wisdom is too high for foolish people.
    They shouldn’t speak when people meet at the city gate to conduct business.

Read full chapter

26 It isn’t proper to honor a foolish person.
    That’s like having snow in summer or rain at harvest time.

Read full chapter

A whip is for a horse, and a harness is for a donkey.
    And a beating is for the backs of foolish people.

Don’t answer a foolish person in keeping with their foolish acts.
    If you do, you yourself will be just like them.

Answer a foolish person in keeping with their foolish acts.
    If you do not, they will be wise in their own eyes.

Sending a message in the hand of a foolish person
    is like cutting off your feet or drinking poison.

A proverb in the mouth of a foolish person
    is like disabled legs that are useless.

Giving honor to a foolish person
    is like tying a stone in a slingshot.

A proverb in the mouth of a foolish person
    is like a thorn in the hand of someone who is drunk.

10 Anyone who hires a foolish person or someone who is passing by
    is like a person who shoots arrows at just anybody.

11 Foolish people who do the same foolish things again
    are like a dog that returns to where it has thrown up.

12 Do you see a person who is wise in their own eyes?
    There is more hope for a foolish person than for them.

Read full chapter

Stones are heavy, and sand weighs a lot.
    But letting a foolish person make you angry is a heavier load than both of them.

Read full chapter

26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish.
    But those who live wisely are kept safe.

Read full chapter

11 Foolish people let their anger run wild.
    But wise people keep themselves under control.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

NIrV, Adventure Bible for Early Readers, Full Color Interior
NIrV, Adventure Bible for Early Readers, Full Color Interior
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $24.49
Save: $10.50 (30%)
NIrV, Giant Print Compact Bible, Comfort Print
NIrV, Giant Print Compact Bible, Comfort Print
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $27.99
Save: $12.00 (30%)
Believe Kids' Edition: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus
Believe Kids' Edition: Think, Act, Be Like Jesus
Retail: $11.99
Our Price: $8.39
Save: $3.60 (30%)
NIrV, Seek and Explore Holy Bible: Hunting for God’s Treasure
NIrV, Seek and Explore Holy Bible: Hunting for God’s Treasure
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $17.98
Save: $12.01 (40%)