1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and exposes all wisdom.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his mind.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him who is a great waster.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the mind of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The mind of the prudent buys 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 He who is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.
18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and those who love it shall eat the fruit.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Jehovah.
23 The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. *