Fools ¹  are placed in many positions of authority, ²  while wealthy men sit in lowly positions.

For a fool speaks disgraceful things; ¹  his mind plans out sinful deeds. ²  He commits godless deeds ³  and says misleading things about the Lord; he gives the hungry nothing to satisfy their appetite ⁴  and gives the thirsty nothing to drink. ⁵ 

This is the destiny of fools, ¹  and of those who approve of their philosophy. ²  (Selah)

A wise person is cautious ¹  and turns from evil, but a fool throws off restraint ²  and is overconfident. ³ 

Even a fool who remains silent is considered ¹  wise, and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning. ² 

There is desirable treasure and olive oil ¹  in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish person ²  devours all he has. ³ 

Do not speak in the ears of a fool, ¹  for he will despise the wisdom of your words. ² 

Wisdom is unattainable ¹  for a fool; in court ²  he does not open his mouth. ³ 

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor ¹  is not fitting for a fool. ² 

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, ¹  lest you yourself also be like him. ² 

Answer a fool according to his folly, ¹  lest he be wise in his own estimation. ² 

Do you see ¹  a man wise in his own eyes? ²  There is more hope for a fool ³  than for him.

A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but vexation ¹  by a fool is more burdensome ²  than the two of them.

Just as dreams come when there are many cares, ¹  so ²  the rash vow ³  of a fool occurs ⁴  when there are many words.

A wise person’s good sense protects him, ¹  but a fool’s lack of sense leaves him vulnerable. ² 

The words of a wise person ¹  win him ²  favor, ³  but the words ⁴  of a fool are self-destructive. ⁵ 

A fool will no longer be called honorable; a deceiver will no longer be called principled.

You are blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?

For the music director; by David. Fools say to themselves, ²  “There is no God.” ³  They sin and commit evil deeds; ⁴  none of them does what is right. ⁵ 

For the music director; according to the machalath style; ²  a well-written song ³  by David. Fools say to themselves, ⁴  “There is no God.” ⁵  They sin and commit evil deeds; ⁶  none of them does what is right. ⁷