He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will 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 you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have 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 you 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. |
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up. | Wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words. |
A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray. | 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. |
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. | Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. |
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. | Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. |
A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. | Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. |
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become 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 honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. | Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. |
The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall. | The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. |