Proverbs

³In the fool's own mouth is a rod [to shame] his pride, but the wise men's lips preserve them. ⁴Where no oxen are, the grain crib is empty, but much increase [of crops] comes by the strength of the ox. ⁵A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness breathes out falsehoods. ⁶A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vain [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands. ⁷Go from the presence of a foolish and self-confident man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. ⁸The Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of [self-confident] fools is to deceive. ⁹Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God. [Prov. 10:23.]