[1] He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. [2] A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. [3] When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach. [4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook. [5] To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. [7] A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. [8] The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. [9] He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. [10] The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. [11] The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. [12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility. [13] He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. [14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? [15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. [16] A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. [17] He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. [18] The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. [19] A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. [22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. [23] The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. [24] He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
