Proverbs 18:2
Amplified Bible
2
A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,
But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].
Proverbs 18:13
Amplified Bible
13
He who answers before he hears [the facts]—
It is folly and shame to him.(A)
Proverbs 19:3
Amplified Bible
3
The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes];
Then his heart is resentful and rages against the Lord [for, being a fool, he blames the Lord instead of himself].
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 21:20
Amplified Bible
20
There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future],
But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
Proverbs 22:15
Amplified Bible
15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.
Proverbs 26:1-12
Amplified Bible
Similitudes, Instructions
26 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a [shortsighted] [a]fool.(A)
2
Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying,
So the curse without cause does not come and alight [on the undeserving].(B)
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the backs of fools [who refuse to learn].
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].(C)
6
He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet (sabotages himself) and drinks the violence [it brings on himself as a consequence].(D)
7
Like the legs which are useless to the lame,
So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who cannot learn from its wisdom].
8
Like one who [absurdly] binds a stone in a sling [making it impossible to throw],
So is he who [absurdly] gives honor to a fool.
9
Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man,
So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who remains unaffected by its wisdom].
10
Like a [careless] archer who [shoots arrows wildly and] wounds everyone,
So is he who hires a fool or those who [by chance just] pass by.
11
Like a dog that returns to his vomit
Is a fool who repeats his foolishness.
12
Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes and full of self-conceit?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.(E)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 26:1 See note 1:7.
Proverbs 28:26
Amplified Bible
26
He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool,
But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.(A)
Proverbs 29:11
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11
A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,
But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.
Proverbs 30:32
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32
If you have foolishly exalted yourself,
Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.(A)
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