16 A fool's chatter is like a burden on a journey, but delight is found in the speech of the intelligent. 17 The utterance of a sensible person is sought in the assembly, and they ponder his words in their minds. 18 Like a house in ruins is wisdom to a fool, and to the ignorant, knowledge is talk that has no meaning. 19 To a senseless person education is fetters on his feet, and like manacles on his right hand. 20 A fool raises his voice when he laughs, but the wise smile quietly.

He thinks, besides, that those who support the cause of Christ by a reference to the writings of the prophets can give no proper answer in regard to statements in them which attribute to God that which is wicked, shameful, or impure; and assuming that no answer can be given, he proceeds to draw a whole train of inferences, none of which can be allowed. But he ought to know that those who wish to live according to the teaching of sacred Scripture understand the saying, The knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense, and have learned to be ready always to give an answer to every one that asks us a reason for the hope that is in us.