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14The wise woman^* builds her house,
   but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.
² Those who walk uprightly fear the Lord,
   but one who is devious in conduct despises him.
³ The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,^*
   but the lips of the wise preserve them.
⁴ Where there are no oxen, there is no grain;
   abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
⁵ A faithful witness does not lie,
   but a false witness breathes out lies.
⁶ A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
   but knowledge is easy for one who understands.
⁷ Leave the presence of a fool,
   for there you do not find words of knowledge.
⁸ It is the wisdom of the clever to understand where they go,
   but the folly of fools misleads.
⁹ Fools mock at the guilt-offering,^*
   but the upright enjoy God’s favour.