1 H e that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.

3 W hen the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach.

4 T he words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.

5 T o respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 T he words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.

9 H e also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

10 T he name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 T he rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.

12 B efore destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.

13 H e that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.

14 T he spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?

15 T he heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.

17 H e that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.

18 T he lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.

21 D eath and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 W hoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.

23 T he poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

24 H e that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.