[1] An unfriendly person cares only about himself. He makes fun of all wisdom. [2] A foolish person does not want to understand anything. He only enjoys telling others what he thinks. [3] Do something evil, and people won't like you. Do something shameful, and they will make fun of you. [4] Understanding people's words is as hard as getting water out of a deep well. But understanding wisdom is as easy as getting water from a flowing stream. [5] It is not good to honor the wicked. Nor is it good to be unfair to the innocent. [6] A fool's words start quarrels. They make people want to give him a beating. [7] A fool's words will ruin him. He will be trapped by his own words. [8] The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People take them all in. [9] A person who doesn't work hard is just like a person who destroys things. [10] The Lord is like a strong tower. Those who do what is right can run to him for safety. [11] Rich people trust their wealth to protect them. They think it is like the high walls of a city. [12] People who are proud will be ruined. But those who are not proud will be honored. [13] A person who answers without listening is foolish and disgraceful. [14] The will to live can get you through sickness. But no one can live with a broken spirit. [15] The mind of a smart person is ready to get knowledge. The wise person listens to learn more. [16] Taking a gift to an important person will help get you in to see him. [17] The first person to tell his side of a story seems right. But that may change when somebody comes and asks him questions. [18] Throwing lots settles arguments. It keeps the two sides from fighting. [19] A brother who has been insulted is harder to win back than a walled city. And arguments separate people like the barred gates of a palace. [20] What you say affects how you live. You will be rewarded by how you speak. [21] What you say can mean life or death. Those who love to talk will be rewarded for what they say. [22] A man who finds a wife finds something good. She shows that the Lord is pleased with him. [23] Poor people beg for mercy. Rich people give rude answers. [24] Some friends may ruin you. But a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.
