1 E l que vive aislado busca su propio deseo, Contra todo consejo se encoleriza.

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

2 E l necio no se deleita en la prudencia, Sino sólo en revelar su corazón.

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

3 C uando llega el impío, llega también el desprecio, Y con la deshonra viene la afrenta.

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

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

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

5 N o es bueno mostrar preferencia por el impío, Para ignorar al justo en el juicio.

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

6 L os labios del necio provocan riña, Y su boca llama a los golpes.

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

7 L a boca del necio es su ruina, Y sus labios una trampa para su alma.

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 L a fortuna del rico es su ciudad fortificada, Y como muralla alta en su imaginación.

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

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

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

13 E l que responde antes de escuchar, Cosecha necedad y vergüenza.

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

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

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

15 E l corazón del prudente adquiere conocimiento, Y el oído del sabio busca el conocimiento.

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

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

A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him in front of great men.

17 J usto parece el primero que defiende su causa Hasta que otro viene y lo examina.

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

18 L a suerte pone fin a los pleitos Y decide entre los poderosos.

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

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

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

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

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

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 E l que halla esposa halla algo bueno Y alcanza el favor del Señor.

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

23 E l pobre habla suplicando, Pero el rico responde con dureza.

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

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

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