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

El que vive aislado busca su propio deseo, Contra todo consejo se encoleriza.

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

El necio no se deleita en la prudencia, Sino sólo en revelar su corazón.

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

Cuando llega el impío, llega también el desprecio, Y con la deshonra viene la afrenta.

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.

Aguas profundas son las palabras de la boca del hombre; Arroyo que fluye, la fuente de la sabiduría.

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.

No es bueno mostrar preferencia por el impío, Para ignorar al justo en el juicio.

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

Los labios del necio provocan riña, Y su boca llama a los golpes.

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

La boca del necio es su ruina, Y sus labios una trampa para su alma.

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

Las palabras del chismoso son como bocados deliciosos, Y penetran hasta el fondo de las entrañas.

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.

También el que es negligente en su trabajo Es hermano del que destruye.

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

El nombre del Señor es torre fuerte, A ella corre el justo y está a salvo.

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

La fortuna del rico es su ciudad fortificada, Y como muralla alta en su imaginación.

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

Antes de la destrucción el corazón del hombre es altivo, Pero a la gloria precede la humildad.

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

El que responde antes de escuchar, Cosecha necedad y vergüenza.

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?

El espíritu del hombre puede soportar su enfermedad, Pero el espíritu quebrantado, ¿quién lo puede sobrellevar ?

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.

El corazón del prudente adquiere conocimiento, Y el oído del sabio busca el conocimiento.

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

La dádiva del hombre le abre camino Y lo lleva ante la presencia de los grandes.

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

Justo parece el primero que defiende su causa Hasta que otro viene y lo examina.

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

La suerte pone fin a los pleitos Y decide entre los poderosos.

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

El hermano ofendido es más difícil de ganar que una ciudad fortificada, Y los pleitos son como cerrojos de fortaleza.

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.

Con el fruto de su boca el hombre sacia su vientre, Con el producto de sus labios se saciará.

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

Muerte y vida están en poder de la lengua, Y los que la aman comerán su fruto.

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

El que halla esposa halla algo bueno Y alcanza el favor del Señor.

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

El pobre habla suplicando, Pero el rico responde con dureza.

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

El hombre de muchos amigos se arruina, Pero hay amigo más unido que un hermano.