Proverbs

¹³On the lips of him who has discernment skillful and godly Wisdom is found, but discipline and the rod are for the back of him who is without sense and understanding. ¹⁴Wise men store up knowledge [in mind and heart], but the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction. ¹⁵The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin. [Ps. 52:7; I Tim. 6:17.] ¹⁶The earnings of the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) lead to life, but the profit of the wicked leads to further sin. [Rom. 6:21; I Tim. 6:10.] ¹⁷He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others. ¹⁸He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool. [Prov. 26:24-26.] ¹⁹In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.