A wicked person listens to malicious talk;[a]
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:4 Lit to lips of iniquity

Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
    liars pay close attention to slander.

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Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.

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Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

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20 One with a twisted mind will not succeed,
and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.(A)

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20 The crooked heart will not prosper;
    the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

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27 The intelligent person restrains his words,(A)
and one who keeps a cool head[a]
is a man of understanding.

28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent,
discerning when he seals his lips.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:27 Lit spirit

27 A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

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