Proverbs

¹⁵Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the transgressor is hard [like the barren, dry soil or the impassable swamp]. ¹⁶Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a [self-confident] fool exposes and flaunts his folly. ¹⁷A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing. ¹⁸Poverty and shame come to him who refuses instruction and correction, but he who heeds reproof is honored. ¹⁹Satisfied desire is sweet to a person; therefore it is hateful and exceedingly offensive to [self-confident] fools to give up evil [upon which they have set their hearts]. ²⁰He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it. [Isa. 32:6.] ²¹Evil pursues sinners, but the consistently upright and in right standing with God is recompensed with good.