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

Su deseo busca el que se desvía, Y se entremete en todo negocio.

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

No toma placer el necio en la inteligencia, Sino en que su corazón se descubra.

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

Cuando viene el impío, viene también el menosprecio, Y con el deshonrador 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; Y arroyo que rebosa, 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.

Tener respeto a la persona del impío, Para pervertir el derecho del justo, no es bueno.

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

Los labios del necio traen contienda; Y su boca los azotes llama.

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

La boca del necio es quebrantamiento para sí, Y sus labios son lazos 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 suaves, Y penetran hasta 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 hombre disipador.

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

Torre fuerte es el nombre de Jehová; A él correrá el justo, y será levantado.

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

Las riquezas del rico son su ciudad fortificada, Y como un muro alto en su imaginación.

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

Antes del quebrantamiento se eleva el corazón del hombre, Y antes de la honra es el abatimiento.

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

Al que responde palabra antes de oír, Le es fatuidad y oprobio.

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 ánimo del hombre soportará su enfermedad; Mas ¿quién soportará al ánimo angustiado?

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 entendido adquiere sabiduría; Y el oído de los sabios busca la ciencia.

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

La dádiva del hombre le ensancha el camino Y le lleva delante 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 aboga por su causa; Pero viene su adversario, y le descubre.

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 tenaz que una ciudad fuerte, Y las contiendas de los hermanos son como cerrojos de alcázar.

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.

Del fruto de la boca del hombre se llenará su vientre; Se saciará del producto de sus labios.

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

La muerte y la vida están en poder de la lengua, Y el que la ama comerá de sus frutos.

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

El que halla esposa halla el bien, Y alcanza la benevolencia de Jehová.

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

El pobre habla con ruegos, Mas el rico responde durezas.

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 que tiene amigos ha de mostrarse amigo; Y amigo hay más unido que un hermano.