Proverbs 25

1 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting in his own folly. 2 He that rendereth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 3 The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out water: and before he suffereth reproach, he forsaketh judgment. 4 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, both are abominable before God. 5 What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh a downfall: and he that refuseth to learn, shall fall into evils. 6 He that is a friend loveth at all times: and a brother is proved in distress. 7 A foolish man will clap hands, when he is surety for his friend. 8 He that studieth discords, loveth quarrels: and he that exalteth his door, seeketh ruin. 9 He that is of a perverse heart, shall not find good: and he that perverteth his tongue, shall fall into evil. 10 A fool is born to his own disgrace: and even his father shall not rejoice in a fool. 11 A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones. 12 The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment. 13 Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth. 14 A foolish son is the anger of the father: and the sorrow of the mother that bore him. 15 It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right. 16 He that setteth bounds to his words, is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit. 17 Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding. 19 He that hath a mind to depart from a friend, seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach. 20 A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart. 21 The wicked man, when he is come into the depths of sins, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him. 22 Words from the mouth of a man are as deep water: and the fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream. 23 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment. 24 The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels. 25 The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are the ruin of his soul. 26 The words of the double tongued are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry. 27 He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth his own works. 28 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.