[1] An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
[2] A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
[3] When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.
[4] The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
[5] To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
[6] A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
[7] A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
[8] The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
[9] One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
[10] Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.
[11] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
[12] Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
[13] He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
[14] A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
[15] The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
[16] A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
[17] He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.
[18] The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
[19] A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
[20] A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
[22] Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.
[23] The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
[24] A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.