¹⁶ Every prudent man acts from knowledge, But a fool exposes folly.

³ Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly.

¹⁷ Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

²⁰ Brothers, don't be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.

¹⁹ For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.

¹⁶ "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

¹³ Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.

²⁴ The proud and haughty man, "scoffer" is his name; He works in the arrogance of pride.

²² Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, But those who do the truth are his delight.

²³ A prudent man keeps his knowledge, But the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

⁵ It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.

²⁵ Please don't let my lord regard this worthless fellow, even Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I your handmaid didn't see the young men of my lord, whom you did send.

¹⁷ Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house: for he is such a worthless fellow that one can't speak to him.

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

¹¹ Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men who I don't know where they come from?