1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,but only wants to show off his opinions.
3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent.
6 A fool’s lips lead to strife,and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation,and his lips are a trap for his life.
8 A gossip’s words are like choice foodthat goes down to one’s innermost being.
9 The one who is truly lazy in his workis brother to a vandal.
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 The one who gives an answer before he listens —this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
14 A man’s spirit can endure sickness,but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,and the ear of the wise seeks it.
16 A gift opens doors for a manand brings him before the great.
17 The first to state his case seems rightuntil another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrelsand separates powerful opponents.
19 An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city,and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;he is filled with the product of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.
24 A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.