Proverbs 17:20-28 in English

²⁰ He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.

²² A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.

²⁷ He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.

²⁰ and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

²¹ and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

²² A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

²³ The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

²⁴ The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

²⁶ It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

²⁷ He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

²⁸ Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

²² A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

²⁶ Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

²² A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

²⁶ Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

²⁰ and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

²¹ and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

²² A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

²³ The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

²⁴ The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

²⁶ It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

²⁷ He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

²⁸ Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

²² A merry heart is a good medicine: but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding: but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.

²⁷ He that spareth his words hath knowledge: and he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.

²⁰ Those who ◄have perverse minds/are always thinking about doing evil things► will not prosper, and disasters will happen to those who always tell lies.

²¹ Children who are foolish soon cause their parents to be very sad; their parents will not be joyful at all.

²² Being cheerful is like swallowing good medicine; being discouraged/gloomy all the time will ◄drain away your energy/cause you to become weak► MTY.

²³ Wicked people/judges accept bribes that are given to them secretly, and as a result they do not decide matters justly/fairly.

²⁴ Those who have good sense determine to do what is wise, but foolish people are always thinking about many different things and never decide what they should do.

²⁵ Children who are foolish cause their father to be sad and also cause their mother to be very sorrowful.

²⁶ It is not right to force someone who has done nothing wrong to pay a fine; it is wrong to punish good/respected people.

²⁷ Those who have good sense do not talk a lot, and those who ◄control their tempers/keep themselves from becoming very angry► are truly wise.

²⁸ People may think that foolish people who do not say anything are wise; if foolish people ◄do not say anything/keep their mouths shut►, others will think that they are very intelligent.

²⁰ and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

²¹ and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

²² A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

²³ The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

²⁴ The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

²⁶ It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

²⁷ He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

²⁸ Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ Nothing good comes to him whose heart is fixed on evil purposes: and he who has an evil tongue will come to trouble.

²¹ He who has an unwise son gets sorrow for himself, and the father of a foolish son has no joy.

²² A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.

²³ A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of him who has sense; but the eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitter pain to her who gave him birth.

²⁶ To give punishment to the upright is not good, or to give blows to the noble for their righteousness.

²⁷ He who has knowledge says little: and he who has a calm spirit is a man of good sense.

²⁸ Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.

²⁰ He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow, and the father of a vile man hath no joy.

²² A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.

²⁶ To punish a righteous man is not good, nor to strike nobles because of their uprightness.

²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit.

²⁸ Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, and he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.

²⁰ He that is of a perverse heart, shall not find good: and he that perverteth his tongue, shall fall into evil.

²¹ A fool is born to his own disgrace: and even his father shall not rejoice in a fool.

²² A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is the anger of the father: and the sorrow of the mother that bore him.

²⁶ It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right.

²⁷ He that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.

²⁸ Even a fool, if he will hold his peace shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.

²⁰ People with warped minds don't succeed; those who tell lies get into trouble.

²¹ A stupid son brings grief to his father; the father of a child who does stupid things has no joy.

²² A cheerful attitude is like good medicine, but discouragement makes you sick.

²³ The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course of justice.

²⁴ Sensible people focus on wisdom, but the eyes of stupid people are always wandering.

²⁵ A stupid son brings grief to his father and sadness to his mother who gave birth to him.

²⁶ It's not right to impose a fine on someone who's innocent or to flog good leaders for their honesty.

²⁷ If you're wise, you'll be careful what you say; and if you're sensible, you'll keep your temper.

²⁸ Even stupid people who keep quiet are considered wise; if they don't say anything they appear intelligent.

²⁰ The froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a naughtie tongue, shall fall into euill.

²¹ He that begetteth a foole, getteth himselfe sorow, and the father of a foole can haue no ioy.

²² A ioyfull heart causeth good health: but a sorowfull minde dryeth the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome to wrest the wayes of iudgement.

²⁴ Wisdome is in the face of him that hath vnderstanding: but the eyes of a foole are in the corners of the world.

²⁵ A foolish sonne is a griefe vnto his father, and a heauines to her that bare him.

²⁶ Surely it is not good to condemne the iust, nor that ye princes should smite such for equitie.

²⁷ Hee that hath knowledge, spareth his wordes, and a man of vnderstanding is of an excellent spirit.

²⁸ Euen a foole (when he holdeth his peace) is counted wise, and hee that stoppeth his lips, prudent.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good; and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into evil.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; and the father of a churl hath no joy.

²² A merry heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is vexation to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.

²⁶ To punish also the righteous is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

²⁷ He that spareth his words hath knowledge; and he that husbandeth his spirit is a man of discernment.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed as a man of understanding.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: And the father of a fool hath no joy.

²² A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom To pervert the ways of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.

²⁶ Also to punish the just is not good, Nor to strike princes for equity.

²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words: And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart will not find happiness; and he that hath a perverse tongue will fall into evil.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doth it to his sorrow; and the father of a worthless fool cannot have any joy.

²² A merry heart causeth a healthy appearance of the countenance, but a depressed spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a bribe out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are at the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a vexation to his father, and bitterness to her that hath born him.

²⁶ To punish the just with a fine even is not good, nor to strike the noble -hearted for their equity.

²⁷ He that holdeth back his speeches hath knowledge; and he that is sparing of his spirit is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keepeth silence, is counted wise: he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

²⁰ And the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

²¹ And the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; But a wise son gladdens his mother.

²² A glad heart promotes health; But the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

²³ The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; And an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

²⁴ The countenance of a wise man is sensible; But the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, And grief to her that bore him.

²⁶ It is not right to punish a righteous man, Nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

²⁷ He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, And a patient man is wise.

²⁸ Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: And he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

²⁰ He that is of a deceitful heart shall find no good; And he that turneth about with his tongue shall fall into mischief.

²¹ Whoso begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; Yea, the father of the fool hath no joy.

²² A merry heart doeth good to the body; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

²³ The wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bore him.

²⁶ Moreover, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their equity.

²⁷ He that spareth his words is imbued with knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he is silent, is accounted wise; He that shutteth his lips is a man of understanding.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart does not find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of mishpat ·justice·.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the upright is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ A person who has a crooked heart finds nothing that is good; the one who has a perverse tongue falls into calamity.

²¹ Whoever is the parent of a fool brings grief to himself; and the father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man accepts a secret bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ The one who has understanding sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are set on the ends of the earth.

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

²⁶ Also, it is never good to punish the righteous person; neither is it good to flog noble men who have integrity.

²⁷ One who has knowledge uses few words and one with understanding is even-tempered.

²⁸ Even a fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent; when he keeps his mouth shut, he is considered to be intelligent.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

²² A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

²⁴ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

²⁷ He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

²⁰ He that is of wayward heart, shall not find good; and he that turneth the tongue, shall fall into evil.

²¹ A fool is born in his shame; but neither the father shall be glad in a fool.

²² A joyful soul maketh liking age; a sorrowful spirit maketh dry bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh gifts from the bosom, to mis-turn the paths of doom.

²⁴ Wisdom shineth in the face of a prudent man; the eyes of fools be in the ends of earth.

²⁵ A fond or foolish son is the ire or the wrath of the father, and the sorrow of the mother that bare him.

²⁶ It is not good to bring in harm to a just or rightwise man; neither to smite the prince that deemeth rightfully.

²⁷ He that measureth his words, is wise and prudent; and a learned man is of precious spirit.

²⁸ Also a fool, if he is still, shall be guessed a wise man; and, if he presseth together his lips, he is guessed an understanding man.

²⁰ He that is of wayward heart, shall not find good; and he that (mis-)turneth the tongue, shall fall into evil.

²¹ A fool is born in his shame; but neither the father shall be glad in a fool. (A fool is born to his parents? shame; and the father shall never be glad, or have joy, over his foolish son.)

²² A joyful soul maketh liking age (or A joyful soul maketh a good life); a sorrowful spirit maketh dry bones.

²³ A wicked man taketh gifts from the bosom, to mis-turn the paths of doom. (A wicked person accepeth secret gifts, or bribes, to pervert the course of justice.)

²⁴ Wisdom shineth in the face of a prudent man; the eyes of fools be in the ends of earth. (Wisdom shineth in the face of the prudent; the eyes of fools be upon the ends of the earth.)

²⁵ A fond son is the ire of the father, and the sorrow of the mother that bare him.

²⁶ It is not good to bring in harm to a just man; neither to smite the prince that deemeth rightfully. (It is not good to harm the righteous; nor to strike the leader who ruleth rightfully.)

²⁷ He that measureth his words, is wise and prudent; and a learned man is of precious spirit. (He who measureth his words, is wise and prudent; and a learned person hath a precious spirit.)

²⁸ Also a fool, if he is still, shall be guessed a wise man, (or Even a fool, if he is silent, shall be thought to be wise); and, if he presseth together his lips, he is guessed an understanding man.

²⁰ The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.

²¹ Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.

²² A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.

²³ A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.

²⁴ The face of the intelligent is to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool — at the end of the earth.

²⁵ A provocation to his father is a foolish son, And bitterness to her that bare him.

²⁶ Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.

²⁷ One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!