A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 27:12
King James Version (public domain)
Traditionally attributed to Solomon · c. 10th century BC · King of Israel, renowned for wisdom
Context
10Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.