[1] He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He breaks out in dispute against all sound wisdom. [2] A fool does not delight in discernment, But only in revealing his own heart. [3] When a wicked man comes, despising also comes, And with disgrace comes reproach. [4] The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook. [5] To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool’s lips come with strife, And his mouth calls for beatings. [7] A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. [8] The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the stomach. [9] He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. [10] The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is set securely on high. [11] A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own delusion. [12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before glory. [13] He who responds with a word before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. [14] The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it? [15] The heart of the understanding acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [16] A man’s gift makes room for him And leads him into the presence of great men. [17] The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. [18] The cast lot puts an end to contentions And decides between the mighty ones. [19] A brother offended is harder to win over than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. [20] From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; With the produce of his lips he will be satisfied. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. [22] He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from Yahweh. [23] The poor man speaks supplications, But the rich man answers with strong words. [24] A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
