12
For seven days we mourn the dead, but a foolish or ungodly person causes a lifetime of grief.
13
Don't visit stupid people or spend a lot of time talking with them. Avoid them; then they can't contaminate you, and you can live in peace without being troubled or worn down by their foolishness.
14
Such people are a heavier burden to bear than lead; and the only word that fits them is "fools."
15
It is easier to carry a load of sand, salt, and iron than to put up with a stupid person.
16
A wooden beam can be put into a building so firmly that an earthquake cannot shake it loose; a person can be trained to use reason and good sense so well that he keeps his head when a crisis comes.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.