Proverbs 17:7
Amplified Bible
7
Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],
Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.
Proverbs 17:9
Amplified Bible
9
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.
Proverbs 17:27-28
Amplified Bible
27
He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words,
And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).(A)
28
Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.
Proverbs 18:4
Amplified Bible
4
The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
Proverbs 18:13
Amplified Bible
13
He who answers before he hears [the facts]—
It is folly and shame to him.(A)
Proverbs 18:17
Amplified Bible
17
The first one to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and cross-examines him.
Proverbs 18:20-21
Amplified Bible
20
A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;
He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.
21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.(A)
Proverbs 20:3
Amplified Bible
3
It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight],
But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].
Proverbs 20:3
Amplified Bible
3
It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight],
But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].
Proverbs 22:11
Amplified Bible
11
He who loves purity of heart
And whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.
Proverbs 23:9
Amplified Bible
9
Do not speak in the ears of a fool,
For he will despise the [godly] wisdom of your words.(A)
Proverbs 24:26
Amplified Bible
26
He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of people]
Who gives a right and straightforward answer.
Proverbs 25:8-10
Amplified Bible
8
Do not rush out to argue your case [before magistrates or judges];
Otherwise what will you do in the end [when your case is lost and]
When your neighbor (opponent) humiliates you?(A)
9
Argue your case with your neighbor himself [before you go to court];
And do not reveal another’s secret,(B)
10
Or he who hears it will shame you
And the rumor about you [and your action in court] will have no end.
Proverbs 25:11-15
Amplified Bible
11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken at the right time.(A)
12
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns.
13
Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest,
So is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
For he refreshes the life of his masters.
14
Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a man who boasts falsely of gifts [he does not give].(B)
15
By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance].(C)
Proverbs 25:20
Amplified Bible
20
Like one who takes off a garment in cold weather, or like [a reactive, useless mixture of] vinegar on soda,
Is he who [thoughtlessly] sings [joyful] songs to a heavy heart.(A)
Proverbs 26:4-5
Amplified Bible
4
Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly,
Otherwise you, even you, will be like him.
5
Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly,
Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him].(A)
Proverbs 26:17
Amplified Bible
17
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten]
Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.
Proverbs 26:18-19
Amplified Bible
18
Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows, and death,
19
So is the man who deceives his neighbor (acquaintance, friend)
And then says, “Was I not joking?”(A)
Proverbs 28:23
Amplified Bible
23
He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
Proverbs 29:20
Amplified Bible
20
Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]?
There is more hope for a [thickheaded] [a]fool than for him.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 29:20 See note 1:7.
Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.