Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. | A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. |
Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. | A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings. |
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Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. | The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts. |
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. | Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. |
The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. | The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. |
Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. | Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. |
Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! | A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. |
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. | Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. |
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. | Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh. |
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. | A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |