1 T hrough desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

He who stays away from others cares only about himself. He argues against all good wisdom.

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

A fool does not find joy in understanding, but only in letting his own mind be known.

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

When a sinful man comes, hate comes also, and where there is no honor, there is shame.

4 T he words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters. Wisdom comes like a flowing river making a pleasant noise.

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

It is not good to favor the sinful, or to keep what is fair from one who is right with God.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

The lips of a fool bring fighting, and his mouth calls for a beating.

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

The mouth of a fool is what destroys him, and his lips are a trap to his soul.

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

The words of one who speaks about others in secret are like tempting bites of food. They go down into the inside parts of the body.

9 H e also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

He who is lazy in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

10 T he name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The man who does what is right runs into it and is safe.

11 T he rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

The rich man’s money is his strong city, and he thinks it is like a high wall.

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

The heart of a man is proud before he is destroyed, but having no pride goes before honor.

13 H e that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

If one gives an answer before he hears, it makes him foolish and ashamed.

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

The spirit of a man can help him through his sickness, but who can carry a broken spirit?

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

An understanding mind gets much learning, and the ear of the wise listens for much learning.

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 in front of great men.

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

He who tells his story first makes people think he is right, until the other comes to test him.

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

Throwing an object to decide puts an end to arguing. It keeps powerful men from fighting.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

A brother who has been hurt in his spirit is harder to be won than a strong city, and arguing is like the iron gates of a king’s house.

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

A man’s stomach will be filled with the fruit of his mouth. He will be filled with what his lips speak.

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 those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 W hoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

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

23 T he poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

The poor man asks for loving-kindness, but the rich man is hard in his answers.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

A man who has friends must be a friend, but there is a friend who stays nearer than a brother.