Saying 10

Do not speak to fools,
    for they will scorn your prudent words.(A)

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. Proverbs 23:9 Lit in the ears of

12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.(A)

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.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
    but an enemy multiplies kisses.(A)

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 As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked(A) after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed(B)—without remedy.(C)

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter