[1] A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
[2] A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.
[3] When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.
[4] The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
[5] It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
[6] A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.
[7] A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
[8] The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
[9] He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
[10] The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
[11] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.
[12] Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
[13] He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
[14] The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
[15] The heart 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 one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
[18] Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.
[19] A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
[20] A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
[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 uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.
[24] A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.