On the lipsof the discerning,wisdomis found,But a rodis for the backof him wholacksunderstanding.
Do not be as the horseor as the mulewhich havenounderstanding,Whose trappingsinclude bitand bridleto holdthem in check,[Otherwise] they will not comenearto you.
The mouthof the righteousutterswisdom,And his tonguespeaksjustice.
Then the LORDsaidto Moses,"Stretchout your handoverthe landof Egyptfor the locusts,that they may comeup on the landof Egyptand eateveryplantof the land,[even] allthat the hailhas left."
The lipsof the righteousfeedmany,But foolsdiefor lackof understanding.
The mouthof the righteousflowswith wisdom,But the pervertedtonguewill be cutout.
A manhas joyin an aptanswer,And howdelightfulis a timelyword!
The lipsof the wisespreadknowledge,But the heartsof foolsare not so.
The wisein heartwill be calledunderstanding,And sweetnessof speechincreasespersuasiveness.
A rebukegoesdeeperinto one who hasunderstandingThana hundredblowsinto a fool.
Judgmentsare preparedfor scoffers,And blowsfor the backof fools.
Thereis gold,and an abundanceof jewels;But the lipsof knowledgeare a morepreciousthing.
A whipis for the horse,a bridlefor the donkey,And a rodfor the backof fools.
Thoughyou pounda foolin a mortarwith a pestlealongwith crushedgrain,[Yet] his foolishnesswill not departfrom him.
The one who commitsadulterywith a womanis lackingsense;He who would destroyhimselfdoesit.
Suddenlyhe followsher As an oxgoesto the slaughter,Or as [one in] fettersto the disciplineof a fool,
The LordGODhas givenMe the tongueof disciples,That I may knowhow to sustainthe wearyonewith a word.He awakens[Me] morningby morning,He awakensMy earto listenas a disciple.
And allwere speaking wellof Him, and wonderingat the graciouswordswhich were fallingfrom His lips;and they were saying,"Is thisnot Joseph'sson?"
