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