[1] He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
[2] A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.
[3] When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.
[4] The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
[5] To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
[6] A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.
[7] A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
[8] The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
[9] He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.
[10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
[11] A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
[12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
[13] He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
[14] The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?
[15] The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
[16] A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.
[17] The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
[18] The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.
[19] A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
[20] With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
[22] He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.
[23] The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.
[24] A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.