And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” ¹ 

Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise,

(Let the wise also ¹  hear ²  and gain ³  instruction, and let the discerning ⁴  acquire ⁵  guidance! ⁶ )

Five ¹  of the virgins ²  were foolish, and five were wise.

For the wise man, like ¹  the fool, will not be remembered for very long, ²  because ³  in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. ⁴  Alas, ⁵  the wise man dies – just like ⁶  the fool!

Whoever is wise, let him take note of these things! Let them consider the Lord’s acts of loyal love!

“Does a wise man answer with blustery knowledge, ¹  or fill his belly ²  with the east wind? ³ 

Men of understanding say to me – any wise man listening to me says –

Therefore people fear him, for he does not regard all the wise in heart.” ¹ 

The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child ²  makes a father rejoice, ³  but a foolish child ⁴  is a grief to his mother. ⁵ 

Those who are wise ¹  store up ²  knowledge, but foolish speech ³  leads to imminent ⁴  destruction.

The way of a fool ¹  is right ²  in his own opinion, ³  but the one who listens to advice is wise. ⁴ 

Speaking recklessly ¹  is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words ²  of the wise bring ³  healing. ⁴ 

Instruction ¹  from the wise ²  is like ³  a life-giving fountain, ⁴  to turn ⁵  a person ⁶  from deadly snares. ⁷ 

In ¹  the speech ²  of a fool is a rod for his back, ³  but the words ⁴  of the wise protect them.

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

The tongue of the wise ¹  treats knowledge correctly, ²  but the mouth of the fool spouts out ³  folly.

The scorner does not love ¹  one who corrects him; ²  he will not go to ³  the wise.

The one who is wise in heart ¹  is called ²  discerning, and kind speech ³  increases persuasiveness. ⁴ 

A servant who acts wisely ¹  will rule over ²  an heir ³  who behaves shamefully, ⁴  and will share the inheritance along with the relatives. ⁵