Proverbs 17:25-Proverbs 18:8 - How Fools Live

²⁵ A foolish son is grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.

²⁶ It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person
or to beat a noble for his honesty.

²⁷ The intelligent person restrains his words,
and one who keeps a cool head
is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent,
discerning when he seals his lips.

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¹ One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.

² A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.

³ When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

⁵ It is not good to show partiality to the guilty
by perverting the justice due the innocent.

⁶ A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.

⁷ A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.

⁸ A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.