Proverbs 12:15-16 (NIV)
15The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
16A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Proverbs 18:1-8 (NIV)
1An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.
2A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
3When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
Titus 3:1-9 (NIV)
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.