[1] A man who isolates himself 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 answers 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. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress. [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.
