[1] One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. [2] A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind. [3] When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes taunting. [4] The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. [5] To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings. [7] A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. [8] The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. [9] He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys. [10] The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. [11] A rich person’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. [12] Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor. [13] One who gives an answer before he hears, It is foolishness and shame to him. [14] The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it? [15] The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [16] A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people. [17] The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. [18] The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones. [19] A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel. [20] With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. [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 the Lord. [23] A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly. [24] A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
