1 A n unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.

3 W hen wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.

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

5 T o be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.

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

8 T he words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.

9 O ne who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

10 Y ahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.

11 T he rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

12 B efore destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

13 H e who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.

14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

15 T he heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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

17 H e who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.

18 T he lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.

19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a fortress.

20 A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

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

22 W hoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.

23 T he poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.