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

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

3 W hen 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 deep waters. Wisdom comes like a flowing river making a pleasant noise.

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

6 T he lips of a fool bring fighting, and his mouth calls for a beating.

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

8 T he 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 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 man who does what is right runs into it and is safe.

11 T he rich man’s money is his strong city, and he thinks it is like a high wall.

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

13 I f one gives an answer before he hears, it makes him foolish and ashamed.

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

15 A n understanding mind gets much learning, and the ear of the wise listens for much learning.

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

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

18 T hrowing an object to decide puts an end to arguing. It keeps powerful men from fighting.

19 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 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 those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 H e who finds a wife finds a good thing, and gets favor from the Lord.

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

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