Proverbs

¹⁴The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear? ¹⁵The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge. ¹⁶A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. [Gen. 32:20; I Sam. 25:27; Prov. 17:8; 21:14.] ¹⁷He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him. ¹⁸To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders. ¹⁹A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle. ²⁰A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].