2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. 3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
Ecclesiastes 10:2–4
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 12:15–17
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. 16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.
Proverbs 15:20–22
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. 22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 14:7–9
7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
Psalms 92:5–7
5 How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! 6 A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand, 7 that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.
Proverbs 29:10–12
10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. 11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
Proverbs 17:23–25
23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. 24 Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
Proverbs 10:22–24
22 The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
Proverbs 12:22–24
22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. 23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
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