He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. | Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. |
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. | Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
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When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. | When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. |
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. | So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. |
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. | And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there. |
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. | Wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words. |
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. | Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. |
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. | Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. |
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. | Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. |
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. | Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. |
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. | Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. |
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |