Add parallel Print Page Options

Don’t speak in the ears of a fool,
    for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Read full chapter

Don’t speak to[a] a fool,
for he will despise the insight of your words.(A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 23:9 Lit in the ears of

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
    so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

Read full chapter

12 A wise correction to a receptive ear(A)
is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

Read full chapter

Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.
The wounds of a friend are faithful,
    although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Read full chapter

Better an open reprimand
than concealed love.(A)

The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,(B)
but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.(C)

Read full chapter

17 Iron sharpens iron;
    so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.

Read full chapter

17 Iron sharpens iron,
and one person sharpens another.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 27:17 Lit and a man sharpens his friend’s face

29 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck
    will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

Read full chapter

29 One who becomes stiff-necked,
after many reprimands
will be shattered instantly—
beyond recovery.(A)

Read full chapter