1 H e who willfully separates and estranges himself seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.

3 W hen the wicked comes in, he becomes a contemptuous despiser, and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.

4 T he words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream.

5 T o respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the righteous of justice, is not good.

6 A fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.

8 T he words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

9 H e who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.

10 T he name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe, high and strong.

11 T he rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.

12 H aughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.

13 H e who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him.

14 T he strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?

15 T he mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

17 H e who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.

18 T o cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied.

21 D eath and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.

22 H e who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 T he poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.

24 T he man of many friends will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.