¹⁶ Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

³ Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

² The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

¹⁷ Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

²⁰ Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

¹⁹ For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

¹⁶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

¹³ Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

²⁴ Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

²² Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

²³ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

⁵ A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

²⁵ Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.

¹⁷ Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.

¹⁰ And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

¹¹ Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?