3
By the mouth of a fool comes 1a rod for his back, 2but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
5
3A faithful witness does not lie, but 4a false witness breathes out lies.
6
5A scoffer seeks wisdom 6in vain, but 7knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
7
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
8
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9
8Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
10
The heart knows its own 9bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
11
10The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12
11There is a way that seems right to a man, but 12its end is the way to death.
13
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and 13the end of joy may be 14grief.