1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

3 W hen the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.

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

5 I t is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.

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

8 T he words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

9 H e who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 T he name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

11 T he rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 B efore destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

13 H e who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

14 T he spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 T he heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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

17 T he first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 C asting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.

19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 D eath and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

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

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

24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.