It's Wrong To Favor the Guilty
1 It's selfish and stupid
to think only of yourself
and to sneer at people
who have sense.
2 Fools have no desire to learn,
instead they would rather
give their own opinion.
3 Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4 Words of wisdom
are a stream that flows
from a deep fountain.
5 It's wrong to favor the guilty
and keep the innocent
from getting justice.
6 Foolish talk will get you
into a lot of trouble.
7 Saying foolish things
is like setting a trap
to destroy yourself.
8 There's nothing so delicious
as the taste of gossip!
It melts in your mouth.
9 Being lazy is no different
from being a troublemaker.
10 The Lord is a mighty tower
where his people can run
for safety—
11 the rich think their money
is a wall of protection.
12 Pride leads to destruction;
humility leads to honor.
13 It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.
14 Being cheerful helps
when you are sick,
but nothing helps
when you give up.
15 Everyone with good sense
wants to learn.
16 A gift will get you in
to see anyone.
17 You may think you have won
your case in court,
until your opponent speaks.
18 Drawing straws is one way
to settle a difficult case.
19 Making up with a friend
you have offended
is harder than breaking
through a city wall.
20 Make your words good—
you will be glad you did.
21 Words can bring death or life!
Talk too much, and you will eat
everything you say.
22 A man's greatest treasure
is his wife—
she is a gift from the Lord.
23 The poor must beg for help,
but the rich can give
a harsh reply.
24 Some friends don't help,
but a true friend is closer
than your own family.
© Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.