1He who separates himself seeks his own desire, And rages against all sound wisdom.
2A fool has no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
3When the wicked comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes reproach.
4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.
5To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for stripes.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
9He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a destroyer.
10The name of Yehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it, and is safe.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goes humility.
13He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
15The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
17He who pleads his cause first seems just; But his neighbor comes and searches him out.
18The lot causes contentions to cease, And decides between the mighty.
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
20A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips he shall be satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And those who love it shall eat its fruit.
22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from Yehovah.
23The poor uses entreaties; But the rich answers roughly.
24He who makes many friends does it to his own destruction; But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.