1 H e that separateth himself seeketh pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.

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

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

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

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

When 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 deep waters, the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.

The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream.

5 I t is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.

To 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 enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.

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

7 A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

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

8 T he words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

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

9 H e also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.

He 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 Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

The 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 wall in his own imagination.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.

12 B efore destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour humility.

Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.

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

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

14 T he spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?

The 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 heart of an intelligent getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

The 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 maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

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

17 H e that is first in his own cause just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

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

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

To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace.

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 belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.

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 that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

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

22 W hoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 H e that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.

The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.

24 A man of friends will come to ruin but there is a friend sticketh closer than a brother.

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