[15] Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the LORD detests them both. [16] Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it? [17] A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. [18] One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. [19] Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. [20] One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble. [21] To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. [22] A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. [23] The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. [24] A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. [25] A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. [26] If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right. [27] The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. [28] Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
