3  By the mouth of a fool comes ^ja rod for his back,¹

^kbut the lips of the wise will preserve them.

8  The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

but the folly of fools is deceiving.

15  ^zThe simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

16  ^aOne who is wise is cautious¹ and ^bturns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

18  The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

24  The crown of the wise is their wealth,

but the folly of fools brings folly.

33  Wisdom ^brests in the heart of a man of understanding,

but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.¹