[1] One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment. [2] A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind. [3] When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach. [4] The words of a person's mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. [5] It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice. [6] The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging. [7] The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life. [8] The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; and they have gone down into the person's innermost being. [9] The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys. [10] The name of the LORD is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high. [11] The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination. [12] Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor. [13] The one who gives an answer before he listens-that is his folly and his shame. [14] A person's spirit sustains him through sickness-but who can bear a crushed spirit? [15] The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge. [16] A person's gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people. [17] The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him. [18] A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents. [19] A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel. [20] From the fruit of a person's mouth his stomach will be satisfied, with the product of his lips he will be satisfied. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit. [22] The one who has found a good wife has found what goodness is, and obtained a delightful gift from the LORD. [23] A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly. [24] There are companions who harm one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
