Lexicon :: Strong's H191 - 'ĕvîl

“For anger slays the foolish man,

And jealousy kills the simple (naive).

Fools, because of their rebellious way,

And because of their sins, were afflicted.

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];

But arrogant [fn]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.

Suddenly he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter [not knowing the outcome],

Or as one in stocks going to the correction [to be given] to a fool,

The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction),

But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.

He who [maliciously] winks the eye [of evil intent] causes trouble;

And the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.

Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart],

But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

The lips of the righteous feed and guide many,

But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding.

He who troubles (mismanages) his own house will inherit the wind (nothing),

And the foolish will be a servant to the wise-hearted.

The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,

But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.

In the mouth of the [arrogant] [fn]fool [who rejects God] is a rod for his back,

But the lips of the wise [when they speak with godly wisdom] will protect them.

Fools mock sin [but sin mocks the fools],

But among the upright there is good will and the favor and blessing of God.

A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instruction and correction,

But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.

Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,

But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.

Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;

When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.

It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight],

But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].

Wisdom is too exalted for a [hardened, arrogant] [fn]fool;

He does not open his mouth in the gate [where the city’s rulers sit in judgment].

Stone is heavy and the sand weighty,

But a fool’s [unreasonable] wrath is heavier and more burdensome than both of them.

Even though you pound a [hardened, arrogant] fool [who rejects wisdom] in a mortar with a pestle like grain,

Yet his foolishness will not leave him.

If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish and arrogant man,

The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement).

The princes of [fn]Zoan are complete fools;

The counsel of the Pharaoh’s wisest advisors has become stupid.

How can you say to Pharaoh,

“I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings?”

A highway will be there, and a roadway;

And it will be called the Holy Way.

The unclean will not travel on it,

But it will be for those who walk on the way [the redeemed];

And fools will not wander on it.

“For My people are stupid and foolish,” [says the LORD to Jeremiah];

“They do not know Me;

They are foolish children

And have no understanding.

They are shrewd [enough] to do evil,

But they do not know [how] to do good.”

The days of punishment have come;

The days of retribution are at hand;

Let Israel know this!

The prophet is [considered] a fool;

The man [of God] who is inspired is [treated as if] demented,

Because of the abundance of your wickedness and guilt,

And because your deep antagonism [toward God and the prophets] is so great.