Proverbs

¹HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. ²A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. ³When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach. ⁴The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving]. ⁵To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good. ⁶A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating. ⁷A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.