4 aThe words of a man’s mouth
are deep waters;
bThe wellspring of wisdom
is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in
ajudgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 aA fool’s mouth
is his destruction,
And his lips
are the snare of his
bsoul.
8 aThe words of a
1 talebearer
are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the
1 inmost body.
9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.