[1] People who do not get along with others are interested only in themselves; they will disagree with what everyone else knows is right. [2] A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is. [3] Sin and shame go together. Lose your honor, and you will get scorn in its place. [4] A person's words can be a source of wisdom, deep as the ocean, fresh as a flowing stream. [5] It is not right to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from receiving justice. [6] When some fool starts an argument, he is asking for a beating. [7] When a fool speaks, he is ruining himself; he gets caught in the trap of his own words. [8] Gossip is so tasty-how we love to swallow it! [9] A lazy person is as bad as someone who is destructive. [10] The LORD is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe. [11] Rich people, however, imagine that their wealth protects them like high, strong walls around a city. [12] No one is respected unless he is humble; arrogant people are on the way to ruin. [13] Listen before you answer. If you don't, you are being stupid and insulting. [14] Your will to live can sustain you when you are sick, but if you lose it, your last hope is gone. [15] Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn. [16] Do you want to meet an important person? Take a gift and it will be easy. [17] The first person to speak in court always seems right until his opponent begins to question him. [18] If two powerful people are opposing each other in court, casting lots can settle the issue. [19] Help your relatives and they will protect you like a strong city wall, but if you quarrel with them, they will close their doors to you. [20] You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say. [21] What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. [22] Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the LORD is good to you. [23] When the poor speak, they have to be polite, but when the rich answer, they are rude. [24] Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.
