3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. 5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.
Proverbs 14:3–5
Semantically similar passages
Ecclesiastes 10:11–13
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Proverbs 19:8–10
8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. 10 Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
Proverbs 19:4–6
4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. 6 Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Proverbs 10:30–32
30 The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land. 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 10:12–14
12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. 13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. 14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.
Proverbs 15:1–3
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:27–29
27 He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the r…
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