Thursday Thinking - Proverbial Wisdom

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

An honest witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies.

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
    but the folly of fools is deception.

 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.

Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.

The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.

There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death.

Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief.

The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
    and the good rewarded for theirs.

The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.

The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

– Proverbs 14:3-18