A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.(A)

A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.(B)

A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.[a](C)

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Footnotes

  1. 18:8 Lit to the chambers of the belly

The lips of fools make accusations;
    their mouths elicit beatings.
The mouth of fools is their ruin;
    their lips are a trap for their lives.
The words of gossips are like choice snacks;
    they go down to the inmost parts.

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13 The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.(A)

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13 Those who answer before they listen
    are foolish and disgraceful.

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