[1] Unfriendly people are selfish and hate all good sense. [2] Fools do not want to understand anything. They only want to tell others what they think. [3] Do something evil, and people won't like you. Do something shameful, and they will make fun of you. [4] Spoken words can be like deep water, but wisdom is like a flowing stream. [5] It is not good to honor the wicked or to be unfair to the innocent. [6] The words of fools start quarrels. They make people want to beat them. [7] The words of fools will ruin them; their own words will trap them. [8] The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People like to gobble them up. [9] A person who doesn't work hard is just like someone who destroys things. [10] The LORD is like a strong tower; those who do 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] Proud people will be ruined, but the humble will be honored. [13] Anyone who answers without listening is foolish and confused. [14] The will to live can get you through sickness, but no one can live with a broken spirit. [15] The mind of a person with understanding gets knowledge; the wise person listens to learn more. [16] Taking gifts to important people will help get you in to see them. [17] The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions. [18] Throwing lots can settle arguments and keep 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] People will be rewarded for what they say; they will be rewarded by how they speak. [21] What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded. [22] When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the LORD is pleased with him. [23] The poor beg for mercy, but the rich give rude answers. [24] Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.
